Bullets itch to topple Silver
Nyasa Big Bullets could topple Silver Strikers from the summit of the TNM Super League if they beat Ntopwa FC this afternoon.
The setting is Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The People’s Team are second with 39 points from 19 matches, just a point shy of the Central Bankers, who have played the same number of games, but are awaiting Sulom’s decision on their match against Red Lions.
The match was abandoned in the dying minutes after the Malawi Defence Force side walked of the pitch in protest against a referee’s decision to award the Lilongwe-based side a penalty.
Bullets assistant coach Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda said though plagued by injuries, they are determined to climb to the top.
Said the former Bullets skipper: “It’s time to get back to where we belong and that is at the top.
“We are aware though that it won’t be that easy because Ntopwa always come hard on us.
“Besides that, we have to deal with the issue of injuries to a number of our key players. But we are ready. We have faith in all our players.”
Among others, the champions will be without defenders Gomezgani Chirwa, John Lanjesi and Precious Sambani and midfielder Ernest Petro, but they have enough armoury in the likes of Zicco Mkanda, Hassan Kajoke, Chimwemwe Idana, Misheck Selemani and Chimango Kayira.
On the other hand, the Bangwe Township-based Amagheto Kids’ coach Karen Chaula will be looking for her first win.
Ntopwa are winless in 10 matches and a win could boost their survival hopes while a loss could worsen their relegation woes.
Chaula, who made history by becoming the first female coach in the domestic top-flight last month, said her troops are set for the battle.
“We are the underdogs and we will not be under pressure. Registering my first win against Bullets could be the turning point. So, let’s see,” she said.
Ntopwa are second from the bottom with 15 points from 19 games, level on points with table-anchors Mzuzu Warriors.
In another match, fifth-placed Mighty Wanderers could return to third if they beat Red Lions at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township.
The Nomads have 31 points from 19 games.
They are two points behind third-placed Ekwendeni Hammers and a point adrift fourth-placed Karonga United.