The race for Malawi's Standard Bank Knockout Cup is expected to hot up this Saturday with four mouthwatering first leg quarterfinal clashes. Mighty Wanderers will entertain Escom United at Nchalo while Big Bullets will date Epac at Balaka Stadium.

Holders Blue Eagles will begin their campaign with a crucial match against Capital City rivals Silver Strikers.

Mighty Wanderers executive committee is convinced the interim technical panel headed by Felix Fosko will help the club land silverware this season.

The Fosko led panel that also consist of Albert Mpinganjira has led the Lali Lubani Road to three back to back victories after replacing the Franco Ndawa headed panel.

"We are happy with their contribution and there is no cause for alarm to replace them," said the Wanderers' general secretary David Kanyenda.

The Nomads face a side which has to bounce back from deathbed.

Ironically, Escom suspended its coaches Charles Manda, McDonald Mtetemera and Aubrey Nankhuni and replaced them with senior players consisting of Noel 'Amfumu' Mkandawire, Kondwani Gawani and Jacob Ngwira.

On its first assignment, the trio managed to lead Escom to their second win in the TNM Super League after beating Mafco 2-1 last week.

In another interesting match, Ndawa will begin his reign as Silver's coach with a tricky assignment against defending champions Blue Eagles, who are eager to defend the trophy.

Ndawa, who has had stints with Zomba United and Red Lions, will head the panel that also has Hellings Mwakasungula and Itaye Nundwe as the team seeks to lift the cup.

meanwhile, newly crowned Presidential Champions Big Bullets will host Epac at Balaka.

Three weeks ago the Eddington Ng'onamo's charges escaped from the jaws of defeat after grabbing a late equaliser against Epac.

Epac coach Abbas Makawa said they had polished their weak areas and they were determined to knockout Bullets.

The other quarterfinal match will involve Moyale and Civo.