Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves coach Enos Chatama has downplayed his side’s achievement as the first lower league side to reach the FDH Bank Cup final.

The Blantyre-based ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League champions punched a ticket to the final after defeating Chipiku Central Region Football League trendsetters Mchinji-based Extreme FC 2-1 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Saturday.

Reserves scored first through Chikumbutso Salima in the 34th minute, but Extreme equalised in the 46th minute through Beston Jimu.

However, the hosts restored the lead through Salima, who netted from the spot in the 61st minute to take Reserves to the final.

Reserves will face the winner of the semi-final between their senior side Nyasa Big Bullets and their rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers on September 24 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

Chatama said after the historic qualification, there is no need to be carried away by the achievement ahead of the final.

He said: “Time to sit down and reflect on the proceedings from the first day up to this far. No need to walk tall and think you are bigger than everybody. Humble yourself before the Lord and He will raise you high, trust the progress.”

However, Chatama, who is regarded as one of the advocates of youth football development, applauded his charges for the performance in the cup.

On their way to the semis, Reserves knocked out TNM Super League sides Mighty Tigers, Red Lions and Blue Eagles.

Chatama said: “It has been a wonderful experience. Nobody gave this team a chance to reach this far because almost the whole team left. Some were promoted to the main team while others joined other teams.

“We are building a new team and we didn’t expectat that we would reach this far. Today we are in the final. It’s good that the boys have surpassed expectation.”

On the upcoming final, Chatama said they will plan for the match based on the team they will face between Wanderers and Bullets.

He said: “We shouldn’t talk about the final.

“Let’s just wait for the two teams playing in the semi-finals. Then we are going to plan on who we will meet in the final.”

Soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda said the match will be a thriller regardless of who the Big Bullets Reserves meet.

He said: “This team has done wonders in the cup. The final be an interesting match to watch.”

Last year, Reserves were booted out of the FDH Bank Cup in the semis by their seniors.

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