Head Coach Mgangira Warns Silver Strikers Against Complacency Ahead of FC Shire Clash in FDH Cup
Head Coach of Malawian football giants Silver Strikers, Peter Mgangira, has issued a stern warning to his charges against complacency as they prepare to face lower league side FC Shire in the round of 16 of the 2025 FDH Cup. The match is scheduled for Thursday at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Mgangira emphasized that there are no underdogs in cup competitions and that FC Shire, despite being a lower league side, should not be underestimated. "We don't want to belittle FC Shire. They've made it to this stage, and that means they are a good side that requires us to avoid complacency at all costs," he said.
Silver Strikers return to action after the international break, during which three of their players, Dan Sandukila, Chisomo Mpachika, and Chikondi Kamanga, featured for the Malawi national football team in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Namibia and Liberia. The trio's return will provide the Central Bankers with some much-needed squad depth.
To reach the round of 16, Silver Strikers defeated Mighty Tigers in the previous round, while FC Shire eliminated Jenda FC in a thrilling encounter. However, history suggests that Thursday's match will be a challenging encounter. In the 2024 Castel Challenge Cup, FC Shire (formerly Panthers FC) knocked out Silver Strikers in the semi-finals after a 3-4 victory in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Mgangira acknowledged the history between the two sides but was confident that his team would come out on top this time around. "We know FC Shire are a formidable side, but we believe we have what it takes to progress to the next round," he said.
The Central Bankers will be hoping to avoid an early exit from the FDH Cup after being knocked out in the round of 32 last year by Blue Eagles following a goalless draw and a penalty shootout (5-3).
As they prepare for Thursday's match, Silver Strikers will be looking to regain their form and build on their impressive performance during the international break. With squad depth returning, Mgangira's side is confident they can overcome FC Shire and progress to the next stage of the competition.
Silver Strikers fans will be eagerly anticipating their team's performance at Civo Stadium on Thursday, and a win will keep their hopes of silverware alive. Stay tuned for updates on the FDH Cup as the competition heats up.
For more football news, visit Facebook and follow us on Twitter @PremierBetMW.
Summary: In the upcoming round of 16 match of the 2025 FDH Cup, Silver Strikers will face lower league side FC Shire at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe. Head Coach Peter Mgangira has warned his team against complacency, emphasizing that there are no underdogs in cup competitions. Despite having three players feature for the Malawi national team in recent international matches, Silver Strikers return to the field refreshed and ready to qualify for the next round. The team has made squad changes to accommodate injured players, and Coach Mgangira believes that his side can overcome FC Shire, who ran riot against Jenda FC in the previous round. The match is expected to be a challenging encounter, as both teams are equally skilled and determined to advance to the next stage.
