The TNM Super League second round kicks off this afternoon and FCB Nyasa Bullets could dislodge their rivals Mighty Wanderers from the top of the table, albeit temporarily, if they avoid defeat against Chitipa United at Chitipa Stadium.
Bullets lie second on the log table with 34 points, a point behind the Nomads and a draw could see them go top as they have a superior goal difference.
Wanderers will be in action tomorrow against Mafco FC at Champions Stadium in Mponela, Dowa.
But Mponda played down the prospects of going top of the table, saying: “That is not even on our mind, we know how good Chitipa are and we will do our best to get the three points.”
“They [Chitipa] have tried to intimidate us, but we have got senior players. This is a big team which commands a huge following everywhere we go.
“So, we feel that the supporters here, they will rally behind us and they will help us to carry the day.”
On the other hand, Chitipa coach Kondwani Ikwanga, whose side lies ninth with 19 points, said they are ready for the match and looking forward to make use of home ground advantage.
“We expect a tough match because we are up against a good side, but we are at home and we will try to make the best of it,” he said.
In the first-round, Bullets won 3-0 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
At Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, Mighty Tigers, who are 13th, face a tough test against third-placed defending champions Silver Strikers, who have 30 points, five behind Wanderers and just a point below Bullets.
The Bankers coach Peter Mgangira said they expect another tough encounter after sweating blood to knock Tigers out of FDH Bank Cup with narrow 1-0 victory last weekend at the same venue.
Silver could showcase midfielder Ernest Petro whom they have signed from Bullets.
At Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji, newcomers Creck Sporting Club host Civil Service United. Kamuzu Barracks take on debutants Songwe Border United at Champions Stadium in Mponela,Dowa.
Meanwhile, Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has pleaded with clubs and fans to uphold fairness both on and off the field of play.
In an interview, Sulom general secretary Williams Banda said they expect the second round to be even better than the first, which registered some milestones.
He said: “As the second round kicks off, fans should expect mouth-watering and exciting matches. The league wishes to advise the clubs to desist from being on the wrong side of the law.”
Banda also urged referees to apply the laws of the game professionally and fairly.
He said: “We plead for professional and fair application of the laws of the game by referees.”
The second round will also see Sulom implement the recently amended Laws of the Game, as directed by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM).
FAM, in a statement, said all local matches must adopt the amendments to improve fairness, enhance the flow of play and ensure alignment with Fifa standards.
The key changes include Law 8 in which goalkeepers must release the ball within eight seconds of gaining possession or concede a corner kick to the opposing team.
During matches, only captains are allowed to interact with referees.
Retakes of penalties will apply in the case of an accidental double-touch while deliberate double-touches will result in an indirect free kick.
