FCB Nyasa Bullets have climbed to the summit of the FDH Bank Premiership after yesterday’s 2-0 victory over Creck Sporting Club at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre.
Striker Ephraim Kondowe netted a brace as the People’s Team collected maximum points.
It is also the first time for Bullets to collect full points in three matches this season after defeating Kamuzu Barracks and Masters FC.
Bullets head coach Wedson Nyirenda praised his players for the victory.
“The confidence is coming. It’s a good run for us. So far, so good,” said the Zambian tactician.
Bullets now lead the table with 19 points, two ahead of second-placed Silver Strikers.
However, the Bankers have a chance to reclaim the top position as they face Chitipa United in a tricky away assignment at Chitipa Stadium.
Silver head coach Peter Mgangira in a pre-match interview acknowledged the challenge, but said his side is ready to cope with the pressure.
“We are playing away from home and we know they are hungry for points. But we have also shown we can collect maximum points away from home.
“Pressure is pleasure. Character is built out of pressure. Being on top is never easy, but this is where we need to show our character.”
Meanwhile, fourth-placed Mighty Wanderers welcome Mafco at Mpira Stadium, seeking to end a run of two consecutive draws that has seen them surrender four valuable points in the title race.
The Nomads head coach Bob Mpinganjira in an interview admitted the recent results have been disappointing and stressed the importance of returning to winning ways.
“We have only collected two points and dropped four. That’s not good for Wanderers. We have worked extra hard this week because we need maximum points,” he said.
Although Wanderers remain the league’s highest scorers with 15 goals, Mpinganjira expects another stern examination.
“We know Mafco are also looking for a win, but we are playing at home and we have to make sure we do everything possible to get a better result,” he said.
He will, however, continue to be without Emmanuel Nyirenda, Blessings Singini who are all recovering from injuries.
Fifth-placed Ekhaya FC are also on the road to face Luanar Mitundu at Dedza Stadium, aiming to maintain their impressive start.
Head coach Enos Chatama in an interview said they expect one of the toughest tests of the season, saying away matches have proved challenging for many teams.
“There is nothing like a small team or a big team at this stage. You have seen how difficult away games have been for many clubs,” he said.
Despite missing several injured players, Chatama believes his side is improving with every game.
“We are getting our foot on the pedal. The team is getting better little by little. If the boys play to instructions, we believe we can get something,” he said.
Masters Security, who have slipped to seventh after going three matches without victory, host struggling Kamuzu Barracks at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe, determined to halt their slide.
Head coach Peter Mponda admitted his side desperately needs three points after recent frustrations.
“We have gone three games without winning. The performance against Bullets in Blantyre was good despite the result, but now it’s not about performance, it’s about points. We desperately need these three points,” he said.
Masters will play at Civo Stadium instead of their usual home venue at Bingu National Stadium which is closed for inspection.
But Mponda is confident his team can adapt.
“Civo Stadium is our second choice home ground.
“We need to go there, express ourselves, dominate the game and get the points,” he said.
