Two giants of Malawian football — Silver Strikers and Mighty Wanderers — collide this Sunday at Bingu National Stadium in the 2025 FDH Bank Cup final. For Silver, this is familiar territory. For Wanderers, it marks their first-ever appearance in a final of a competition they have yet to win.
The champions will walk away with K45 million, up from last year’s K35 million, while the runners-up will receive K20 million.
Silver: Back where they belong
The Central Bankers stroll into their second cup final of the season and their second FDH Cup final since the tournament’s inception in 2021. It marks a long-awaited return to the final after a four-year absence — their last appearance coming when they lifted the inaugural title.
That afternoon in 2021 remains etched in the memories of Area 47 fans: a commanding 2-0 win over Ekwendeni Hammers (now Mzuzu City Hammers), with Frank Banda and Stain Davie scoring for the area 47 side.
Coincidentally, that successful run included a statement 3-0 semifinal victory over Wanderers, a reminder of how ruthless Silver can be in knockout football.
But since that triumph, the FDH Cup has been unforgiving to the Bankers.
Between 2022 and 2024, their dreams repeatedly ended in heartbreak — all via post-match penalties.
· 2022: Lost 5-4 to Dedza Dynamos after a goalless regulation time.
· 2023: Knocked out 10-9 by Moyale Barracks after a 1-1 draw — despite a stunning free-kick by Fodya.
· 2024: Eliminated 5-3 by Blue Eagles in the Round of 16 following another stalemate.
But 2025 feels different. Silver have marched to the final without playing a single home match, showing grit and resilience across four tough away fixtures.
· Round of 32: 1-0 win over Mighty Tigers (Kamuzu Stadium)
· Round of 16: 4-1 against FC Shire (Civo Stadium)
· Quarterfinals: 3-0 dismantling of defending champions Blue Eagles (Nankhaka)
· Semifinals: 1-0 victory over Civil Service United (Bingu Stadium)
Their record speaks volumes: 9 goals scored, just 1 conceded. The Bankers have looked the most balanced and consistent side of this year’s tournament.
Coach Peter Mgangira says they understand the importance of the final and will fight to win the cup.
“The players know the pain of losing in a final. They are showing the hunger to win the cup on Sunday,” said Mgangira.
Skipper Chikondi Kamanga says morale is high in camp, and the team is ready to play for the Silver badge and win the trophy.
“Playing in a final is already a motivation, and winning the cup would be a great honour for the club,” Kamanga said.
Wanderers: A determined march to the final
For Wanderers, this is a historic moment — their first-ever appearance in the FDH Cup final. Their journey has been every bit as impressive, marked by resilience, tactical discipline, and a growing confidence under pressure.
The Nomads kicked off their run with a 3-1 win over MAFCO, followed by a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Mzuzu City Hammers in the Round of 16. In the quarterfinals, they survived a nerve-wracking clash against Creck Sporting Club, winning 3-2 on penalties after a goalless draw.
But their biggest statement came in the semifinals. In a tense Blantyre derby at Kamuzu Stadium, Wanderers edged rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 1-0, powered by Promise Kamwendo.
That semifinal victory arrived just a week after Wanderers hammered Bullets 3-0 in the TNM Super League, completing a rare season double in the league against their fiercest rivals.
Their momentum has only grown — the only recent blip being Wednesday’s league match against Ekhaya, abandoned at 0-0 due to heavy rains.
Wanderers last tasted defeat in domestic competition on 27 April 2025, 2-0 against Karonga United in the Airtel Top 8. Since then, the Nomads have been formidable.
Head Coach Bob Mpinganjira has described the team’s first final of the year as a must-win encounter.
“Despite our back-to-back Blantyre Derby wins, we are treating this final against Silver as precious — a must-win to reward our supporters,” said Mpinganjira.
Wanderers captain Felix Zulu says the squad is ready and in high spirits as they chase their first trophy of the season.
“We know it won’t be an easy game, but we want this trophy in our cabinet,” said Zulu.
A final balanced on a knife-edge
While Silver Strikers bring history and experience, Wanderers arrive with hunger and a sense of destiny. Both sides boast strong defensive records and have battled through intense semifinal encounters to reach this moment.
The match will be overseen by Easter Zimba, assisted by Pondamali Tembo and Lameck Phiri, with Mayamiko Kanjere as fourth official — a team expected to manage what could be a fiery contest.
FDH Cup roll of honour
2021: Silver Strikers
2022 & 2023: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
2024: Blue Eagles
Can Silver Strikers reclaim their crown, or will Wanderers write a new chapter by lifting the cup for the first time?
Sunday’s final is more than a match — it is a battle between tradition and ambition. A stage set for glory.
By Praise Majawa
