Silver Strikers Assistant Coach Mapopa Msukwa has said there are several positives that can be drawn from their 1-0 loss to Zimbabwe’s Caps United in an international friendly match played at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday.
It was the first of a series of the international friendly matches between the two teams.
Msukwa said his charges delivered a solid performance despite the loss.
“It was a very good performance from the team. We were on holiday but tried to bring fitness to the boys within a short time,” Msukwa said.
The Central Bankers featured a strong side in the first half comprising Uchizi Vunga, Festus Duwe, Charles Chipala, Innocent Shema, Nickson Mwase, Chinsinsi Maonga, Macdonald Lameck and Levison Maganizo.
- Advertisement -
Defender Tatenda M’balaka also played his first match after one year due to injury.
After the break, Silver made wholesale changes as they brought in some youngsters such as Lasuli Jali, Innocent Mtonga and Moffat Mnyontho.
Silver were without Andrew Joseph, Emmanuel Allan, George Chikooka and Chikondi Kamanga.
Msukwa said the match was a good opportunity to assess players.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
“It was good to see players such as Tatenda, who is coming from injury. It was a very good show for us,” he said.
He also hinted at featuring more youngsters in Wednesday’s friendly match.
Silver finished third in the 2025 Super League with 64 points from 30 matches, five points behind champions Mighty Wanderers.
They won the FDH Bank Cup.
Caps Coach Takesure Chiragwi said Silver gave his charges a good run for their money.
“We played a very good match, looking at our opponents; a very strong team. How they possess the ball, the movement and everything, I need to appreciate. This is our first competitive match and our opponents have been playing the whole season. We expected that they were going to be good, in terms of fitness level, match fitness and everything,” Chiragwi said.
In addition, Chiragwi said Silver had assembled a good squad despite the departure of some of the key players.
“I want to appreciate Silver. They have a very good team, hence I cannot be surprised they were champions in 2024 and participated in the Caf Champions League because they have a good squad and very good players who can compete. I wish them the best and, next season, they can win the league,” he said.
Brett Amidu scored the only goal of the match in the 80th minute.
The two teams will meet again at the same venue Wednesday.
