Newcomers search for first wins
Rookies Chitipa United and Masters Security will be searching for their first wins when the 2017 TNM Super League enters the second round this weekend.
After holding giants Nyasa Big Bullets to a barren draw in their inaugural top-flight league match last Saturday, Chitipa have travelled down South to face PremierBet Wizards and fellow new entrants Blantyre United at Mulanje Park this afternoon and tomorrow, respectively.
On the other hand, Masters will be up against Civil Sporting Club at Dedza Stadium tomorrow.
Wizards technical director Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda said they will exercise a lot of caution against Chitipa.
“It’s a tricky fixture. We hardly know them and the fact that they held a big team like Bullets should give us food for thought.
“Added to that, winning the second-tier league in the North speaks volumes about their capabilities, but we will take the game to them and see how it unfolds,” said the Wizards owner whose team played out a one-all draw against Silver Strikers in their opening fixture.
He also said it is important that they make good use of home ground advantage.
Chitipa coach Kondwani ‘Tootsman’ Mwalweni said his charges draw inspiration from their satisfactory start against the People’s Team.
“Being our first outing, we are the underdogs. But we will try to get the best from these matches although it’s not easy playing back-to-back games after such a long trip. Nevertheless, we are ready,” he said.
Wizards are buoyed by the return of their slippery winger Telekeleni ‘Anzeru’ Joseph whom they have signed on loan from Bullets alongside Ian Chinyama, Niikiza Aimabre and Jelesi Lufeyo.
The other potential match winners for Wizards are Patrick Phiri, Semeon ‘Solskjaer’ Singa and Isaac Mwale.
Chitipa could bank their hopes on former Mzuzu University (Mzuni) FC striker Wacheta Mwenifumbo, midfielder Khumbo Banda and promising winger Christopher Ntambo—the youngest player in their squad.
