Sports Reporter
SERIAL winner Kalisto Pasuwa has returned to the final of the FDH Bank Cup in Malawi after his Nyasa Big Bullets beat Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar 5-1 in a semi-final at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday.
The former Dynamos player and coach has been very successful in Malawi after leaving the Zimbabwe football scene.
Nyasa Big Bullets are the defending champions and have booked a date with Salima-based soldiers Mafco FC in the final match of the K120 million (about US$110 000) tournament set for October 8.
Champions will pocket K30 million (about US$27 000).
Pasuwa’s charges will be looking forward to becoming the first side to defend the cup, which they won last year after victory over their reserve side.
Speaking after Sunday’s match, Pasuwa said:
“It was a very good game from my boys. We did a lot of homework after they frustrated us in the league because I knew they would come here with confidence.
“Even though we struggled a bit in the first half, individual brilliance from my players who were eager to score goals and to take the team into the final and yes, it worked, we are through.”
Pasuwa made four changes to the side that beat Mighty Tigers in a league match on Thursday.
“We have been struggling to play our usual game due to fatigue and, as you can see, we tried to rotate the team today by using some fresh legs and you could see a change of pace in terms of how they were playing.
“And, when we brought the substitutes in the second half, they came out good with high intensity hence scoring more goals to record a comfortable win.”
Looking forward to the final, Pasuwa expects a very tough match.
“We are meeting a very good side which gives us a torrid time and we need to do our homework for us to defend this Cup.
“It will not be easy, but we just need to do it at all costs.”
Collins Okumu opened the scoring in the first half before Hassan Kajoke, McFarren Mgwira and Antony Mfune’s brace later in the second half sent Dedza out of the competition.
Gift Magola scored the visitors’ consolation goal in the 85th minute.