National Sports

Civo, BB, Nomads in tricky league fixtures

 

As the 2012 TNM Super League season enters the second week, Civo United will seek to add another home win against a weakened Escom United this afternoon, following their last week 1-0 victory over rivals Blue Eagles.

The civil servants’ seasoned mentor Alex Masanjala—who is aiming for the league title—is optimistic that his side can beat Escom buoyed by last week’s victory coupled with the Electricians 1-0 loss to Azam Tigers.

“We are playing at home and have quality players unlike them. This puts us in a better position as we face them on Saturday. It is important that we win all our home matches,” said Masanjala.

Masanjala has roped in Alick Lihuhu, Noel Mkankandawire, Lawrence Mwehiwa and Wyson Nkhana to strengthen his side which already has quality players such as Welani Nyirenda, Nelson Kambunje and Davie Ng’ambi.

He will, however, be without their defence pillar Pilira Makupe who is with the national team in Kenya

Escom chairperson Fanuel Nkhono is unfazed at the prospect of facing Civo away.

“We have managed to get points while playing Civo at their backyard in the past. So, it’s not like we are afraid. We are not a spent force as some might say. We are building a new time and soon will start getting results,” said Nkhono.

Escom, who were a power house in the past four seasons, have been weakened because most of their key players such as Ndaziona Chatsalira, Young Chimodzi Jnr, Chipiliro Jose, Mkandawire, Chimango Kaira and Maupo Msowoya were transfer-listed.

They will also be without their first-choice goalkeeper Charles Swini who is with the Flames in Kenya.

In Blantyre, Big Bullets have a potentially tricky fixture against newcomers Bvumbwe Research at the Kamuzu Stadium.

Bullets assistant coach Gerald Phiri said they have recovered fom last week’s loss and are focused on spending their anger on Bvumbwe.

“Of course, it was disappointing to start the league with such a big-margin loss against Silver, but we have recovered and we are hoping to get our first full points on Saturday,” said Phiri.

Bullets are expected to parade veteran forward Heston Munthali who has joined them on loan. Their other potential match winners include Gabadini Mhango, Godfrey Masondo and winger Fischer ‘Anong’a’ Kondowe.

They will, however, be without their enterprising left-winger Douglas ‘Section 65’ Chirambo who was shown the red card last weekend.

Bvumbwe’s coach Bob Mpinganjira said despite having no adequate time to rest, his team is ready for their first game in the top-flight league.

Bvumbwe will bank their hopes on Peter Mutharika Southern Region Football League (SRFL) top scorer Vincent Chinthenga and former Mighty Wanderers midfielder Rafiq Mussa.

Wanderers who started the league with a hard-earned 3-2 win over Moyale Barracks, travel to Zomba to face Red Lions.

The Nomads will also be without three key players, namely goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa, defender Foster Namwela and midfielder Joseph Kamwendo who are also with the Flames in Kenya.

However, their coach Franco Ndawa yesterday said he has the class in depth to face his former team.

“Of course, we’ll miss their services, but we have steady replacements. It will be a tough game though,” predicted Ndawa.

The Nomads will look up to Diverson Chilemba—who scored two goals against Moyale last weekend, Nafe Msasa and Anthony Banda whereas Lions have Kelvin Katema and Malumbo Mkandawire.

In other games slated for this afternoon, Moyale host Epac at Mzuzu Stadium while Mafco will take on Azam Tigers at Chitowe in Dwangwa.

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