A father-and-son rivalry will take centre stage in Malawi this Sunday when a team owned by a father faces one owned by his son in the Airtel Top 8 final at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The final will see Mighty Wanderers, owned by Thomson Mpinganjira, take on Ekhaya FC, a team owned by his son, William.
Ironically, Ekhaya Foods also sponsors Wanderers, something that has led some players to suggest that the match could easily be fixed.
However, the two have dismissed any fears of match-fixing, insisting they are independent and that neither gets involved in the affairs of the other.
In response to Bola, William said he is independent, as is his father.
“Its important to clarify that I have no involvement in the affairs of Wanderers nor my father in the affairs of Ekhaya FC. I have taken note of the noise by people. We are very independent,” reacted William.
He added: “My father would say don’t dare beat me because ndiwe mwana [you’re my son], you need to respect elderly, but these are jokes, there is no way he can get involved in the affairs of Ekhaya.
“This is our first cup as Ekhaya to compete in the top level; this is top 8 competition, 8 best teams. We want to win it. We do joke in our family, our family were born as Wanderers supporters, but along the way came in Ekhaya, and now I am a supporter of Ekhaya.
“Ekhaya players and coaches want to impress, you will witness a very competitive match.”
Ekhaya, which was founded in 2021, will play in its first top-level final. William said his team is not under pressure despite facing Wanderers.
Speaking on behalf of his father, Counsel David Kanyenda, who is Wanderers’ director of football, said people should not expect match-fixing during the final.
“I think you need to respect and appreciate what this family has done to Malawi football, it is bad to think of match fixing forgetting the investment the Mpinganjira family has done to Malawi football.
“This is the first time for one family to sponsor two teams in the elite level, see the money they are investing. So, let us appreciate what they have done to us rather than dwelling on that perception of match-fixing.
“Wanderers want to win this cup, so does Ekhaya, but I am sure that Wanderers will beat Ekhaya in the final,” he said.
Ekhaya knocked out defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets on penalties to reach the final, while Wanderers also eliminated Blue Eagles through a penalty shootout.
Picture: William and Thomson Mpinganjira
