This afternoon’s battles in the 2024 FDH Bank Cup can be compared to the fable of David and Goliath.
The biblical story about David and Goliath is not new. David smote Goliath with a stone and prevailed over him.
Probably, three second-tier sides Ndirande Stars, Mitundu Baptist and Raiply will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of David when they face elite league teams in the round of 32 of FDH Bank Cup this afternoon.
Ndirande host TNM Super League rookies Baka City at Mpira Stadium whereas Baptist face Mighty Tigers at Civo Stadium this afternoon.
In another match, Chitipa United face Raiply at Karonga Ground. Since the competition was introduced in 2021 it has produced greats upsets in domestic football.
In 2022, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve made history as they finished as runners-up following a 3-1 loss to their senior side.
Then, Bullets Reserve knocked out four Super League sides from the competition namely Blue Eagles and Extreme FC, Tigers and Red Lions on their way to the historic final.
Last year, Santhe Admarc wrote another piece of history in the competition when they knocked two Super League teams Tigers and Kamuzu Barracks out of the tournament before they lost 5-0 in the semi-finals to Bullets.
Pressure is on the elite teams as they face second-tier teams.
For two consecutive years, Tigers have been knocked out in the competition by second-tier teams.
Tigers Coach Leo Mpulula said history will not repeat itself this afternoon.
“We know cup games are always tricky. But there is a lot at stake and we will do everything possible to progress,” Mpulula said.
Mitundu Baptist Coach Sandtown Nyondo said pressure will be on Tigers.
“Let them underrate us at their own peril,” Nyondo said.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will start their title defence against Bangwe All Stars at Mpira Stadium tomorrow whereas Eagles will face Silver Strikers at Nankhaka Stadium.
FDH Bank increased this year’s sponsorship to K150 million from K130 million.
Champions will pocket K30 million as prize money up from last year’s K25 million.
Silver won the inaugural edition in 2021 but Bullets have won twice in a row in 2022 and 2023.
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