Karonga United Football Club says the move by authorities to deny them access to use Bingu National stadium as their training base in readiness for Airtel Top 8 final game against Silver Strikers on Saturday has not affected their preparations.

The team arrived in Lilongwe as early as Tuesday with Bingu National Stadium in their mind as their training venue.

The team’s chairperson Alufeyo Chipanga Banda said their preparations have been going on well, despite the sudden change of their planned venue.

Chipanga said: “We booked Bingu National Stadium as venue for our training but unfortunately we were denied but let me thank some well-wishers who provided us a pitch where we are training until now and let me mention that the change of venue has not affected our preparations in any way.”

He also revealed that the club’s two key defenders, Wakisa Mwenenguwo and Peter Nselema, will not be available for the Saturday’s game due to injuries.

But Chipanga pointed out that the setback will not stop the team from bringing the trophy to the northern region for the first time.

“Of course the injured players are key pillars for our defense but our side has eight defenders and this means we still have the personnel to do the job.”

He further promised that his boys will write a history of being the first team to carry the Airtel Top 8 trophy to the northern region.

This is the first time for Karonga United to participate in the trophy.

In a separate interview, Football Association of Malawi’s Commercial Director, Limbano Matola, confirmed that all is set for the Airtel Top 8 final match between Silver Strikers and Karonga United on Saturday at Bingu National stadium.