By Wendy Mkandawire
Mighty Wanderers says it has the squad depth and preparation to qualify for the preliminary round of the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League ahead of Tanzanian giants Simba SC, in a match set for 6th September 2026 at Bingu National Stadium.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, Director of Football David Kanyenda said the Nomads have a “cream of a talented squad” capable of facing any opponent at home and abroad.
He dismissed concerns over Simba SC, saying the Tanzanian side is not in top form and that Wanderers are not intimidated by past records.
Kanyenda said preparations have been intensified, including self-analysis, technical analysis of Simba, and training to match game conditions. He noted the first leg will be played on natural grass, while the second leg in Tanzania on 12th September will be on artificial turf under floodlights.
He said Wanderers will return to Blantyre after Sunday’s Airtel Top 8 final against Ekhaya at Bingu to continue training on artificial turf and under lights.
However, Kanyenda expressed displeasure with CAF’s appointment of a referee from Zanzibar, arguing that Zanzibar is part of Tanzania.
He said the club will appeal the decision but will proceed with the match even without an immediate response due to concerns over possible bias.
Wanderers are making a return to continental football after a 9-year absence. Their last appearance was in 2025 in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The winner between Wanderers and Simba will face either Fomboni De Moheli from Comoros or 15 de Agosto of Equatorial Guinea in the next round.
