Head Coach Peter M’gangira says his side will not underrate any team as Silver Strikers kickstart the 2025-26 Castel Challenge Cup on Thursday.
Silver Strikers travel to Mchinji on Thursday to face Namitete Zitha FC in the round of 32.
Ahead of the first match of 2026, Mgangira said this is a cup game, and there is no room for complacency on his side, as the team needs to turn the tables and write a new narrative in the Castel Challenge Cup.
“It has been very good to return to the pitch this year after the festive season and finishing the 2025 League. We have started the year on a good note, as several faces who were not around when we finished the year due to injury are now back. Their return is a big boost to us. Playing Namitete Zitha is exciting, just like any other game. We will not belittle them, as this is a national cup that will give us lots of chances to play in continental football again this year, so we need to do our best to win it. But before we look at the end, we have to work and do a good job on Thursday,” said Mgangira.
The gaffer added that not having a strong record in the Castel Cup is motivation in itself, as the team looks to win it and rewrite its story in the competition.
“Indeed, we haven’t been doing well in this competition, but this is a new chance for us to do what it takes and win it. Just like I said, we need to win this and change the narrative, then qualify for the CAF Confederations Cup,” he added.
Ahead of the match on Thursday, the Central Bankers have received a boost with the return of forward Andrew Joseph, who was out due to illness. However, the team will be without Binwell Katinji, who is down with Malaria.
