Derbies to Dominate Northern Castel Challenge Cup

Northern Region Football Association conducted a draw for Castel Challenge Cup at Luwinga Technical Center on Tuesday.

The draw has produced some derbies in the first round with others expected in the second round.

Among some clackers Ekwendeni Hardknockers will host their neighbors Ekwaiweni Tafika, Embangweni meeting Mzimba Young Bullets will battle it out Moto Division one sides Luviri will take on Karonga Giants with Nyungwe hosting Meiru.

With second round crackers Ekwendeni United hosting division one side Bwabwa.

Speaking after draw General Secretary for Northern Region Football Association, Masiya Nyasulu says they expect good competition following the draw and geared to launch the cup this weekend.

“We expect a good competition with some derbies and we are happy to host a launch game this weekend in Rumphi.” Said Nyasulu.

Castel Regional Sales Manager for North, Andrew Ngombende says the company is ready for the launch this weekend with several initiatives lined up.

“We will parade the trophy from Kasungu,Mzimba, Mzuzu to Rumphi where there will be launch game and we have several bashes so it will be fireworks this weekend.” Ngombende said.

Speaking after the draw Baka City General Secretary Jones Mkandawire says his team is ready for the cup.

“Our team is ready, the draw was fair and transparent, as a team we are ready for the cup.” said Mkandawire in an interview.

37 teams have registered for the regional cup with 30 teams playing knockout format to reach 15 teams that will join top seeded teams from all clusters in Simso Innobuild and Moto division one teams in second round.

The seven seeded teams will join the 15 winners from round one, from where 6 teams will qualify for the national phase.

The 6 teams will pocket 1 Million each.