Editors PickNational Sports

LL derby: Civo United seek resurgence over Silver Strikers

Struggling Civo United seek resurgence as they face city rivals Silver Strikers in a TNM Super League Lilongwe derby this afternoon. Points have been hard to come by for the civil servants as they are languishing in the relegation zone.

Civo have three points from eight games whereas silver, who have played 11 games, have 19 points. However, Civo have two games in hand.Civo_and_silver

But history has proved that derbies are different from normal fixtures. It is not about points alone, but pride too. The humiliation that supporters go through after losing in a derby is what spurs players to give their all.

But for Civo coach Oscar Kaunda, a lot is at stake as he is going through intense pressure to deliver and get his team out of relegation.

“I have a good team that is capable of delivering, but the problem is finishing. We have been working on that problem and I believe we will get positive results,” said Kaunda.

The departure of their ace striker Jabulani Linje to Be Forward Wanderers has brought goal drought for Civo. However, Kaunda has improvised attacking midfielder Nelson Kangunje as a false number 10. Charles Chilembo and Anthony Banda are other alternatives that Kaunda might use in attack.

In defence, towering Emamnuel Zoya and John Lanjesi are the players needed to stop the likes of Green Harawa for Silver on a good day.

For the past season, Harawa has been the main man for Silver scoring some crucial goals from the midfield position. His partnership with Ndaziona Chatsalira is lethal at times.

Despite Silver FC doing relatively well coach Stein Chirwa is also under pressure from the hard- to-please fans because of inconsistent results.

In defence, Silver have Cosafa Plate winner Lucky Malata whose solid presence might just intimidate Civo United forwards from playing their game.

On paper Silver look favourites, but they need to be wary as Civo are seeking a resurgence and a win will be crucial if they are to regain self- confidence.

“It is hard playing against a team in relegation. They always play with hearts out. But we also want to close gaps with leaders Big Bullets and Wanderers.

“We also have to play for the fans. and hope for a win,” said Chirwa. n

 

 

Related Articles

Back to top button