FCB Nyasa Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa says the loss to Silver Strikers was a bitter lesson for his charges after winning all silverware last season.
The Zimbabwean tactician further said it gave his predominantly up-and-coming players plenty food for thought. He said: “In football we have three results. I am a person that has been saying about three results. We have a lot of youngsters who are growing up and at times, they need to see what defeat is.”
“I am not saying we liked the defeat, but they should also learn the hard part of it and how you approach the game when you are coming from a defeat.
Bullets lost to Silver through a last minute goal from substitute Chinsinsi Maonga.
Pasuwa said as they take on Creck Sporting Club this afternoon, the loss will have an impact on the players.
He said: “Now it will even affect them. As coaches, we need to be close to them and tell them that that’s part of football and we need to see how we can wake up from slumber.
“These are youngsters who did very well last year and I have been talking to them to say last season you won everything, this year everyone is on you and you have lost one game and things went the wrong way. But again, we need to go back and plan and say where did we lose it and correct ourselves and move on.”
But pressure is also on Creck coach MaCDonald Mtetemera, who is walking a tightrope.
His bosses gave him a target to collect at least seven points from three matches.
Creck collected maximum points against Mafco in a 2-1 victory and need to at least draw against Bullets to stay within the target.
Mtetemera said though he is aware of the hard task at hand, his charges are ready.
“We are very much prepared. Everyone is ready. We are looking forward to this game. It’s going to be a tough game. Since we won against Mafco and Bullets lost to Silver, it’s not a guarantee that it’s going to be easy. Every game is like a cup final,” he said.
In other matches, Karonga United take on Moyale Barracks at Karonga Stadium while Mighty Mukuru Wanderers play Civil Service United at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Mafco face Chitipa United at Chitowe, in Dwangwa, while Bangwe All Stars host Mzuzu City Hammers at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe, Blantyre.
Fomo FC and Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos clash at Mulanje Park Stadium.
On Monday, Mighty Tigers host leaders Silver Strikers at Kamuzu Stadium while Baka City take on Kamuzu Barracks at Karonga Stadium.
Meanwhile, Sulom has ordered that a minute of silence should be observed before kick-off in honour of Vice-President Saulos Chilima and eight others who perished in a plane crash on June 10.
In a statement, it further said players must wear a black armband.
The statement from Sulom reads: “The Super League of Malawi wishes to announce that all players and officials will wear black armbands during match week 10 of the TNM Super League in memory and honour of former State Vice-President, Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and eight others who tragically died in a plane crash on June 10, 2024. Additionally, before each match, a minute of silence will be observed.”
