Bullets one foot in TNM super league glory
Entering the final day, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have a three-point lead over second-placed Silver Strikers. It is not done yet as mathematically the Central Bankers are still in contention if they can win by at least four goals to nil.
Bullets fans are, however, concerned over the leaky defence and some kindergarten mistakes observed in the goalkeeping department recently.
For an attacking team such as Silver with dangerous players in Stern Davie, Atusaye Nyondo, George Chaomba, Chimwemwe Idana, Adiel Kaduya plus wingers like Zebron Kalima, Uchizi Vunga, scoring four goals is not an impossible feat.
But Bullets fans can hope that their striking force comprising Hassan Kajoke, Ephraim Kondowe, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Patrick Mwaungulu and Maxwell Phodo, has been potent.
The rivalry between the two sides has grown intense over the years and it is one of the most anticipated fixture on the domestic scene.
Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa hailed the important win at Karonga Stadium in the midweek fixture, saying it has taken away the pressure off his players on the final day of the season.
He said: “Kudos to the boys for an important win against Karonga. It has been a very difficult season for us playing every three days. Lots of pressure because the fixtures had accumulated because of our participation in the CAF Champions League. But now we need to focus on the final game against Silver. It was an important win in Karonga.”
Silver coach Pieter de Jongh did not grant an interview this week but after the victory over Kamuzu Barracks he expressed disappointment that Bullets have a chance of retaining the league title.
He said: “I said it at the beginning that the fight for the title at the end will be among Bullets, Silver Strikers and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers. All I say is true but it is not fair going into the last week, Bullets have been having a game in hand until the second all this time. They have been advantaged. But we will fight to the end. It’s not over.”
It is expected to be a tense match looking at the rivalry that has grown over the years and hostilities emanating from the Hassan Kajoke saga.
The mind games played by de Jongh throughout the season will spice up the season.
In the bottom half of the TNM league, Mafco (34 points), Ekwendeni Hammers (33) Moyale Barracks (32) and Civil Service (35) are also not safe and that is what will make their matches interesting.
Civil Service will host Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, Moyale will play Red Lions, Ekwendeni will face Dedza Dynamos. whereas Mafco will lineup against Blue Eagles.
Soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda believes Bullets will carry the day but could not predict the outcome of those to join Extreme FC
He said: “At the top Bullets are Champions designate because with their three points advantage and seven points goal differential ahead of Silver backed by massive home support all is set for a huge celebration come the end of tomorrow’s match.
“The number spot could then go to Wanderers or Silver depending on what happens in the matches they are both involved in. As for the third relegation berth, Mafco, Moyale and Ekwendeni are in a precarious situation.
