Bullets, Nomads step up derby hype
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers coach Mark Harrison has said today’s TNM Super League encounter against their arch-rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets is a must-win if they are to keep their TNM Super League title hopes on the boil.
The People’s Team host the Nomads at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre in the latest episode of the Blantyre derby, their 72nd meeting in the flagship league, which could shape the chase for the title.
The two giants are tied at the top with 53 points apiece, but Bullets have the bragging rights courtesy of their better goal difference. They also have a three-game cushion.
Said Harrison in an interview yesterday: “It’s probably a championship decider for us. We have everything to play for.
“If we drop points on Sunday, then the dream is probably over and that is the reality.
“The belief is there that we can win this game if we enter with a positive mind.”
The Briton said he has urged his charges to go out there and express themselves.
“We can’t sit back against Bullets, it would be dangerous, we have to go for the throat,” he said.
The Nomads gaffer also said the People’s Team are miles ahead in terms mental strength.
As usual, his Bullets counterpart Kalisto Pasuwa did not say much.
He said: “The boys are looking ready and we are good to go.”
The Zimbabwean tactician, who has led Bullets to four successive titles, also said their wonderkid Patrick Mwaungulu, Kenyan defender Clyde Senaji and midfielder Stanley Billiat, who were nursing injuries, have recovered and will be available for selection tomorrow.
“They trained with us today and they all look good. Most of the guys are back,”he said.
On his take about the derby being a potential title decider, the former Zimbabwe National Football Team and Dynamos FC coach said: “I always insist that unless otherwise, the league is about the last day. We need to play our last game then we can talk about the title.”
Wanderers captain Stanley Sanudi said based on their preparations, they are set for battle.
“We are ready and hopeful that we’ll win. We know how important this game is to us. It is a must-win, no two ways,” he said.
The Nomads skipper also urged their fans to flock to the stadium and give them the morale and support, they desperately need.
His Bullets counterpart Precious Sambani said: “We are ready for the derby. It will be a tough game and we’ll need to put in extra effort. Otherwise the morale is high.”
