TNM Super League giants have avoided each other in the 2023 FDH Bank Cup round of 32 following a draw held on Thursday at Mpira Village in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre.

The draw saw 16 teams from the Super League and another 16 from the three regional leagues going into the pot.

Kaimila (R) and Flames team manager James Sangala during the draw

Fixtures between Chitipa United and Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar, Karonga United and Kamuzu Barracks as well as Blue Eagles and Red Lions are the the only ones involving TNM Super League sides.

Defending champions FCB Nyasa Bullets will face Ndirande Stars, a team from their base in Ndirande Township, Blantyre.

Last year’s semi-finalists Mighty Mukuru Wanderers have been paired against Mpondasi FC from Mangochi whereas Silver Strikers will play Ntaja United of Machinga.

Lilongwe giants Civil Service United will meet Leyman Panthers from Area 25 Township in the capital city.

In other fixtures, Moyale Barracks of Mzuzu play Iponga FC of Karonga, Mafco of Salima meet Ekwendeni Hard Knockers of Mzimba, Blantyre-based Bangwe All Stars face Ekwaiweni Tafika Sports of Mzimba, Mighty Tigers play against Santhe Admarc of Kasungu and Ekwendeni Hammers of Mzimba face Airborne Rangers of Salima.

Mbabzi United from Lilongwe face Blantyre-based Ntopwa FC, Balaka FC host Chilumba Barracks from Karonga whereas Mayamiko Stars of Mzuzu clash with Zingwangwa United from Blantyre.

The draw follows conclusion of the regional preliminary round that attracted 60 regional leagues, 22 from South, 18 from the Centre and 20 from the North.

Football Association of Malawi competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the round of 32 matches are expected to kick off on June 17.

He said: “The competitions committee will come up with the fixtures and the grounds to allocate these matches. We can’t wait for the matches to start.”

On his part, FDH Financial Holdings Limited plc marketing manager Tiyese Kaimila said they are looking forward to another exciting stage after the successful regional preliminary round.

He said: “We are very excited with the draw. We have seen three ties for all-Super League teams. We have also seen some local derbies within the districts.

“As you are aware, we have increased sponsorship from K90 million to K120 million. Our expectation is that we will see sniff competition just like last season, with the deserving winner getting K30 million.”

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