Bullets aim to topple Wanderers

FCB Nyasa Bullets eye TNM Super League top spot this afternoon when they face newly-promoted Extreme FC at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.

The People’s Team need to beat the Mchinji-based rookies and hope that fierce rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers drop points against Ekwendeni Hammers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

The Kallisto Pasuwa-coached side are second with four points, two behind Wanderers who have won both their games against Civil Service (Civo) United 2-0 and Red Lions 3-0.

Bullets drew 1-1 against Silver Strikers in their opening game before thrashing Mafco FC 4-0 last weekend.

Pasuwa has since urged his charges to exercise caution, saying playing against newly-promoted teams can be tricky.

He said: “It will be a challenge playing against a newly-promoted side because we hardly know them.

“We should not make the mistake of  underrating them. I have told the boys to be focused and not get complacent. We need to collect the three points.”

In form striker Lanjesi Nkhoma, who is the league’s second leading scorer with three goals, will lead Bullets’ attack aided by Alick Lungu, who is also enjoying a rich vein of form.

The People’s Team will be without left-back and last season’s Player of the Season Gomezgani Chirwa and right-back Precious Sambani, who are nursing injuries as well as striker Hassan Kajoke who is still being put through the paces of fitness.

On the other hand, results have not gone well for Extreme FC so far as they have only earned a point from two matches. They lost 1-0 to Mighty Tigers in their first match before drawing 1-1 against Civo last Sunday.

Nevertheless, Extreme FC coach Joseph Malizani said in a pre-match interview that with the right attitude his players can get a positive result this afternoon.

He said: “We are coming from a lower league and the levels are different. But we are in the Super League to compete and not just participate.

“With composure, it is possible to get a good result. I have told my players to not be intimidated playing against the defending champions. I have told them to take it easy, be composed and play their game.”

Elsewhere, a win for Wanderers will consolidate top spot.

The Ekhaya Farms Foods Limited’s co-sponsored side are in good form with former Civo forward Christopher Kumwembe leading the golden boot race with four goals in two games.

Nomads coach Mark Harrison said they are looking forward to continue with their good run.

He said: “We have worked all week towards the game. .

“We got a bit of information on the opposition. It’s always tricky, we cannot underestimate them.  We have to enter into the game knowing fully aware what they are capable of doing.

“They haven’t scored a goal yet and they haven’t conceded either, so they are doing something right.

“Every game is different, we have to take a game as it comes. We are hoping for a good result.”

Ekwendeni have played out goalless draws against MDF sides Kamuzu Barracks and Moyale Barracks.

Ironically, both teams are yet to concede.

Hammers coach Gilbert Chirwa, whose side is 10th in the 16-team league, said they anticipate a tough match.

He said: “Wanderers are enjoying a good run as they are top of the table and they will also have home ground advantage, but we are ready for them.

“Our challenge has been to convert our chances, but we have worked on that.”

In other matches this afternoon, Mafco FC host Karonga United at Chitowe in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota while Chitipa United face third-placed Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar at Karonga Stadium.