Silver Strikers Reserve will begin their 2026/27 GOJET Investments Central Region Football Association Division League One campaign with a home fixture against Mchinji Villa at ADL Ground in Lumbadzi on Sunday.
Head coach McDonald Yobe says the team is targeting a victory as they look to mount a stronger challenge this season.
“We finished in fifth position last season, but we want to do better this year. The club has given us the resources and enough time to prepare. The performance in training has been good, and the boys are showing hunger ahead of the new season.
“We are looking for nothing but a win. Mchinji Villa played in the National Division League last season, so we know they are a good side; therefore, we will throw everything at it to achieve the desired result,” said Yobe.
The team has played five preseason friendly matches, recording a 1-1 draw against Namitete Zitha, a 4-1 victory over Santhe Admarc, a 2-1 defeat, and two 2-2 draws against CRECK Sporting Club and Kamuzu Barracks Reserve.
Silver Strikers Reserve will be without some of last season’s standout players like Austin Yassin, Precious Kapunda, Innocent Smart, and Chikondi Likambale, who have been promoted to the senior team, while Emmanuel Nyakutepa joined LUANAR Mitundu Baptist, and Ishmael Hassan joined CRECK Sporting Club on loan. Dumisani Pemba, Sebastian Chinsomba, and Malizani Kalema have also been loaned to NBS Bank National Division League side FOMO FC.
The reserve side has, however, strengthened its squad with the arrivals of Prince Kumwembe, Hadji Dyton, Alufeyo Nyirenda, and Vincent Kamaba from Villa FC, Haward Kamuona and Archangel Mayola from Mponela FC, Francis Kadango and Patrick Mponda from Shire FC, Gift Msiska and Blessings Mhone from Dwangwa United, Brino Mdumuka from Tick Tack FC, Blessings Nyirongo from Civil Service United Reserve, Zaithwa Lupale from Play Football Malawi, while Andrew Mughogho has been promoted from Silver Strikers Youth.
Yobe says the new signings have settled in well and have already made a positive impact. He also expressed satisfaction with the promotion of several reserve players to the senior team.
“We cannot say the team will struggle because we have lost some players to the senior team. That is actually good news for us because it shows we are doing the right things. We will build another formidable side with the squad that we have,” he said.
Silver Strikers Reserve head into the match aiming for a positive start as they seek to improve on last season’s fifth-place finish.
For Mchinji Villa, the match presents an opportunity to make a positive start as they look to secure an immediate return to the National Division League following their relegation last season.
