Ekhaya FC head coach Enos Chatama has played down any talk of silverware after The Cowboys were drawn against Goshen Dedza Dynamos in the 2025 Castel Challenge Cup, describing the tie as a stern test that will demand maximum focus and preparation.
Reacting to the draw, Chatama admitted the outcome was never going to be straightforward, given the quality of teams that have progressed to the Round of 16. With several Super League sides still in contention, the Ekhaya FC tactician believes Goshen Dedza Dynamos represent one of the toughest possible opponents.
“We expected the draw to go either way,” Chatama said. “A lot of Super League teams have qualified to the Round of 16. All in all it is a tough draw, and we should expect a very difficult match against Dedza Dynamos. They have already given us problems in the two games we have met them in the league.”
The upcoming fixture will see Ekhaya FC return home after back-to-back away assignments, a factor that could provide some comfort but no guarantees, according to the coach.
Chatama highlighted the challenges his side faced on the road, particularly the difficult playing surfaces, but warned against assuming home advantage will automatically tilt the tie in their favour.
“It was tough playing away from home as we played on difficult pitches,” he explained. “This time around we are playing at home, but there is no guarantee that we are going to win. We just need to be well prepared for the game. It will not be easy because we are at home, and we need to work extra hard if we are to progress to the next round.”
Despite Ekhaya FC edging closer to a potential cup run, Chatama remains firmly grounded, insisting his team must resist the temptation to look too far ahead. For him, the focus remains on taking the competition one match at a time, fully aware of the unforgiving nature of knockout football.
“We should not be thinking about lifting the trophy,” he cautioned. “When we started, our aim was just to get into the quarter-finals. Now it is one game at a time. You cannot dream about the other side of the river before crossing the bridge.”
Chatama also underlined the fine margins that often decide cup encounters, where a single lapse can bring an end to a team’s ambitions.
“It is always scary in cup games,” he added. “One mistake and you are out. We should not make a lot of mistakes. We need to tread carefully and try to go through to the next stage.”
As anticipation builds ahead of the clash with Dynamos next Saturday at Mpira Stadium, The Cowboys will be hoping their home crowd can provide an extra lift, but if Chatama’s words are anything to go by, discipline, patience and attention to detail will be just as crucial in keeping their Castel Challenge Cup dream alive.
