Organisers of Sapitwa Pre-season bonanza have announced that the second edition of the four-team competition will be held at Mulanje Park Stadium on March 23 and 24.
Inaugural champions Bangwe All Stars, runners-up Mighty Tigers and Dedza Dynamos have been maintained whereas newcomers Fomo, who earned TNM Super League promotion, have replaced relegated Red Lions.
Organisers of the friendlies indicated that the name of the pre-season is ‘Betika Sapitwa 4 Season 2’.
Lead organiser of the pre-season matches, Chimwemwe Nyirenda said the continuity initiative would help clubs prepare for the football season.
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“After the successful pre-season tournament we had last year, stakeholders acknowledged the need to be conducting this initiative every year. As we are all aware, most of the clubs do not prepare well, especially before the new season kicks off.
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“I made a promise that I would be assisting clubs to prepare well, hence organising these preseason matches before the season kicks off so that these clubs’ coaches should have the opportunity to use their possible first team players by trying out different combinations,” the Super League of Malawi Executive Member said.
The organisers have organised it two weeks before the start of the season to enable teams to rectify their shortfalls in time for the elite race.
Sapitwa rules encourage teams to score more goals, a scoring draw will earn three points whereas a goalless draw earns two points.
“Fans love penalties! So, to increase the excitement and uniqueness of these matches, each game will have a penalty shoot-out and the winner of the penalty shoot-out will accumulate a bonus point; four points for a straight win, three points for a scoring draw, two points for a goalless draw,” Nyirenda said.
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Meanwhile, all the teams will be headed by new coaches.
Bangwe have hired Christopher Nyambose while Tigers have re-engaged Leo Mpulula. Dedza will have Andrew Bunya on the touchline whereas Gilbert Chirwa will manage Fomo.
Football analyst Ojukwu Malunga said the four sides will have a chance to fine tune before the season starts.
“The friendlies are important and coming two weeks before the start of the season will give teams an opportunity to address areas of concern,” Malunga said.
