Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Reserve completed a memorable entry to the year 2024 after winning the K13 million Champion Cup following their 1-0 victory over Kalonga Rovers at Champion Stadium in Mponela, Dowa on Sunday.
The young Nomads have two trophies on their shelf after they won the Nyasa Capital Finance Cup when they beat Ntaja United 1-0 at Ntaja Community Day Secondary School last week.
David Chikaonda converted a penalty in the 20th minute to hand Wanderers Reserve their second trophy this season.
The young Nomads were awarded a penalty after attacker Wallance Adam was fouled in the 18 yard box after he had dribbled past two defenders.
Wanderers’ Chifuniro Kamenya, who had a great game, was named man-of-the match.
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Wanderers Reserve Coach Bob Mpinganjira hailed his charges for containing pressure to win their second trophy.
“We were up against a tough team full of experienced players but the players were fantastic and determined to win the cup. The two trophies are New Year’s gifts to the Wanderers’ family,” Mpinganjira said.
On his part, coach for the Lumbadzi-based side, Aaron Kandiwontaya said the boys failed to convert their chances.
“We did not utilise our chances and this cost us the game,” Kandiwontaya said.
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For emerging champions, Wanderers Reserve pocketed K3.5 million plus a trophy whereas Kalonga got K2 million as runners-up.
Kamuzu Barracks Reserve and Baka City each received K750,000 for finishing as semifinalists.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Second Vice President Lameck Zetu Khonje applauded the sponsor Msaiwale King Kabvina for sponsoring the cup.
“Kabvina is doing a commendable job in improving the standards of football. He is also concentrating on infrastructure development. It is our hope that the community will support his projects,” Khonje, who was the guest of honour, said.
Taking his turn, Kabvina, who also owns the venue that hosted the final [Champion Stadium], pledged to continue bankrolling the competition.
“I plan to increase the package following the success of this year’s competition. The race was entertaining and patronage was quite good. Above all, teams and spectators were disciplined,” Kabvina said.
In a curtain-raiser, Peter Pindani scored a hat-trick to inspire Silver Strikers Legends to beat Mponela Socials 4-1.
