By Joel Phiri
Two Mzimba based Simama Northern Region Premier Division Football League outfits, Mzimba United and Mzimba Young Bullets, have merged to form M’mbelwa Warriors Football Club.
Spokesperson for M’mbelwa Warriors FC, Ephraim Mkali Banda, said in an interview on Tuesday that formation of the team is aimed at mounting a serious challenge in the Simama Northern Region Football League premier division so that they earn promotion into the Super League next season.
‘‘These teams are both from Mzimba and they are crowd pullers at district level. They have sadly competed in Simama Premier Division League for many years without qualifying for the Super League. So, management of both sides agreed to form one strong team that can fight for honours in Simama Premier League Division and qualify for super league next year,’’ said Mkali Banda.
He said the team, whose patron is Inkosi Ya Makhosi Mmbelwa V, has appointed a board and an interim executive committee to oversee its operations.
‘‘The committee has since appointed Steve Kwinika as head coach to be assisted by Frank Nyirenda,’’ said Mkali Banda.
Mzimba based football fanatic, Joseph Songa, said the merger is a big milestone to Mzimba District football lovers.
‘‘I have followed both teams. They are plastered with big talent of players but they could not manage to break through to the Super League individually. Their merger will help them in fighting for honours in premier division and earn them promotion to the top flight league,’’ said Songa.