Township Teams Make Waves in Castel Cup

Township football is gaining momentum in the country, with teams like Panthers FC and Hilltop United making a significant impact in the Castel Cup.

Despite limited resources, these teams have proven themselves to be formidable opponents, challenging the dominance of TNM Super League sides.

Panthers FC, based in Lilongwe, has been making headlines with their impressive victories over three Super League teams, including champions Silver Strikers and Civo Service United.

They have booked a semi-final spot against Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, where they hope to upset the tables and create history in the Castel Cup.

Meanwhile, Hilltop United from Mzuzu pushed deposed TNM Super League champions, Nyasa Big Bullets, to the limit. Despite a contentious winning goal, Bullets head coach Calisto Pasuwa acknowledged the talent of the Township teams.

“They are good boys with a bright future in football if they continue to work together,” said Pasuwa.

Hilltop United’s head coach, Madalitso Chiumia, attributed their loss to biased officiating. “If the referees had been impartial, Bullets would have been eliminated today.”

The Castel Cup semi-finals will feature Mighty Mukuru Wanderers against Panthers FC in Blantyre, while Nyasa Big Bullets will face MDF Marine in Dedza in the quarterfinals, with the winner advancing to play Mzuzu City Hammers, who eliminated Karonga United.