FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will be chasing a fourth consecutive victory when they face Masters FC in an FDH Bank Premiership second-round fixture at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe this afternoon.
The People’s Team head into the encounter on the back of an impressive run that has seen them maintain their winning momentum from the first round.
Bullets finished the first round in style with a commanding 5-0 victory over Silver Strikers before carrying that form into the second round with victories over Mafco, Blue Eagles and Civil Service United.
Their recent defensive solidity has also been impressive, having gone without conceding since their 1-0 defeat to Dedza Dynamos in July, which remains their only loss of the season so far.
Bullets lead the standings with 39 points, three ahead of defending champions Mighty Wanderers and Silver who are tied on 36 points.
Blue Eagles occupy fourth position with 34 points.
However, Bullets coach Wedson Nyirenda has warned that today’s assignment will not be easy, describing every match as a final in their quest for the championship.
“Every game for Bullets is like a final, so it is not going to be easy. Seeing my team doing what they are doing and getting victories even when it is difficult shows that we are a championship-material team,” he said.
Nyirenda said they had studied Masters and worked on shortcomings identified in their recent performances despite winning their last three matches.
He pointed to a lack of verticality in their play and difficulties opening up the midfield as areas they had addressed in training.
“We did not look ourselves as much as we are supposed to be. Our verticality play was lacking, so the opening up in the midfield was a little bit shaky until we made some good changes.
“This week, I think the boys have understood the problem and we have done a lot of work on it,” he said.
The Bullets tactician also wants his forwards to become more clinical in front of goal, warning that failing to convert clear-cut chances could prove costly.
“We just want to see them pick up those scoring opportunities and turn them into goals because if you do not convert them, you can be punished,” he said.
Nyirenda added that his strikers were showing increased hunger in training, particularly as Ephraim Nyirenda who scored in the first round 1-0 victory over Masters, but has gone three matches without scoring.
Meanwhile, Masters coach Peter Mponda says his side are ready to take the game to the league leaders on home turf.
“We know how Bullets have been playing. They have been winning games and enjoying their form. We are playing at home. We need to go and attack them,” he said.
Mponda acknowledged Bullets’ impressive run, but believes his charges can rise to the challenge, insisting that their priority is to collect all three points.
“We know we are playing against Bullets, who are leading the league. Their current form has been very good, but we are playing at home. We need to play an attacking game, and I am sure the boys will play an attacking game to get maximum points,” he said.
A victory for Bullets will strengthen their grip on the summit while Masters will be looking to disrupt the leaders’ momentum.
Bullers rivals Wanderers, on the other hand, will be hoping the leaders drop points to narrow the gap as they face Goshen City Dedza Dynamos at Dedza Stadium.
