Silver Strikers head coach Peter Mgangira is targeting maximum points against Red Lions despite acknowledging the visitors’ strong defensive record ahead of Sunday’s FDH Bank Premiership Matchweek Eight fixture at Silver Stadium.
The Central Bankers return home after a 1-1 draw against capital city rivals, Civil Service United, at Civo Stadium last week.
Mgangira admitted his side did not perform to the expected standard in the match against Civil Service United, but believes preparations have gone well as they look to bounce back against the Zomba-based soldiers.
“It has been a good week. There is competition because everybody wants to play. We are looking forward to the Red Lions game. If you look at the log table, they are a good team and they are not conceding a lot of goals, so we know what to expect. It will not be an easy game and we are not taking it lightly, but we are ready and we have the quality to get maximum points against Red Lions,” said Mgangira.
The coach also stressed that the team is ready to continue life without key players, defender McDonald Lameck and midfielder Uchizi Vunga, who have left the club for Hard Rock FC and CAPS United, respectively.
“We wish Lameck and Vunga all the best because every player dreams of playing abroad. But this is an opportunity for other players to rise and show their worth in the team. Likewise, they are encouraged because they have seen that if one keeps performing well, better opportunities can arise. That tells us we can expect good performances from the boys,” he added.
Silver Strikers and Red Lions are the only teams that have conceded the fewest goals in the league so far, with both sides having let in just three goals.
The Central Bankers head into the match looking to strengthen their position in the 2026/27 FDH Bank Premiership title race as they sit third on the table with 14 points from four wins, two draws and one defeat, while also seeking to maintain their dominance over Red Lions.
In the last 10 meetings between the two sides, the Bankers have been dominant, winning six matches and drawing one, while Red Lions have won the remaining three.
On the injury front, Felix Dumakude, who suffered a meniscus injury, has started taking part in group training but will have to wait a little longer before being available for selection.
Eric Atsigah is still missing in action as he continues his rehabilitation programme. At the moment, he is only doing light training under the guidance of the team doctor.
Andrew Joseph, who also sustained a meniscus injury, remains unavailable as he continues with rehabilitation. He is currently doing light training after undergoing an MRI scan.
The good news this week is that Nickson Mwase has returned to full training after being out of action for the past four weeks. He sustained an ulna fracture in his left arm but is now available for selection this weekend.
However, the coach has said the technical will have to make a decision if Mwase can be featured on Sunday.
