FDH Bank Cup derby up on us

The Blantyre derby is upon us this afternoon as two rivals in contrasting fortunes clash in FDH Bank Cup round of 16 at Kamuzu Stadium.

If form is anything to go by, then defending champions FCB Nyasa Bullets are walking into a battle in which they need to sweat blood to beat rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.

It has been hell on earth for Bullets this season. From sweeping all silverware last season to a mid-table side that has just managed four wins out of 14 matches in the current campaign.

Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa in pre-match interview seemed lost on what has befallen his once invincible troops.

The Zimbabwean tactician painted a very groom picture of what is happening in the dressing room.

“Yes, it’s one thing also surprising to say a team which was playing very well then in space of three, four, five months, the team has gone down to be like what it is today.

“But I’m still to find out what is it really that has made this. Of course, as coaches also we do our part and players also do their part. But we can’t just slump from may be the top to go down. We need to find out what is it that we have done wrong in order for us to correct it.”

He suggested that his side might be paying a price of sweeping all trophies last season and letting go some players who have been replaced by new signings and promoted youngsters.

He said: “Most of the guys, are coming from reserves and from other teams where may be, especially our young boys whom we promoted, they had never tested these defeats.

“So, it’s something that we need all also to be teaching. And I hope maybe the way we are talking to them, they will respond to it.

“But it’s the pressure that at times, we give ourselves where we end up missing so many chances in front of goal. We play an opponent, they get two chances, and they punish us.”

But knowing how Blantyre derby has a knack of bringing out the best from players in inexplicable circumstances, Bullets may be given the benefit of the doubt that they might just mount some resistance against their rivals.

Indeed Pasuwa warned Wanderers not to read too much into what is happening in Bullets camp.

“Remember, we are into it and we have been into it before where we came out of may be situations which were very tight last year. At one time people thought we would never bounce back. But again, we stood tall and we managed to sweep everything which was on board,” he said.

On his part, Wanderers coach Meck Mwase chose to dwell on his team and avoided Bullets woes.

“Blantyre derby is a match that needs no introduction. It’s always a tough one. Every player is aware of what is at stake considering that this is a cup game. There is no room for mistakes. No draws. If you lose, you are out.”

While Bullets are still bruised from their last match loss to Karonga United at Karonga Stadium, Wanderers are coming from a draw against Mafco at Chitowe in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota.

But Mwase stressed that these results won’t have a bearing this afternoon.

He said: “Look, form has nothing to do with this derby. When we meet Bullets, the best team on that day carries the day. It all depends on how you approach the game. It does not matter how both teams have been performing in previous matches. We have prepared well and are confident of carrying the day.”

The last time the two sides clashed in the league, Bullets had to come from behind to cancel Isaac Kaliyati’s goal through wonderboy Patrick Mwaungulu.

But the 2023 TNM Super League player of the season won’t be there this time around after joining TP Mazembe of DR Congo.

So too Lanjesi Nkhoma, who was also instrumental in last season campaign.

But Bullets now have others to step in such as Chikumbutso Salima, who was the hero in the round of 32 when he scored a brace and two assists against Bangwe All Stars.

S t r i ke r E p h r a i m Kondowe could also return against his former team after a long spell due to injury.

Wanderers will be without Lawrence Chaziya, a pillar in defence, who has also joined Mazembe.

But that won’t be felt as Mwase still has a full arsenal for the match.

One player to watch out for is Wanderers Blessings Singini, who Bullets must be having a headache on how to stop him in the central turf in this epic battle Bullets and Wanderers last met in the 2022 FDH Cup semi-finals. The People’s Team won 4-0 and played their reserve team in the final.