Bullets set pace toretain league title

The first round of the 2015 TNM Super League season concluded on Sunday and half way through, the scales appear to swing in Big Bullets’ way in the quest to defend the title.

It doesn’t always go according to script, but if Bullets’ first round showing compared to last season at the same stage, then they are destined for another success story.

Last season, Bullets finished the first round on second position with 29 points—they won eight, drew five and lost only once to Epac FC.

They tied on points with the then leaders Moyale Barracks, but they were separated by a slight goal difference.

The People’s Team scored 21 goals against 10 which represented an 11-goal difference.

Fast forward to half way the current season, Bullets wound up the first round at the summit of the table with 32 points—they won nine, drew five and to their credit, did not lose a match.

They have scored 27 goals—representing an average of two goals per game, they have conceded 13 goals—translating to almost a goal in every game and they have a goal difference of 14.

Bullets have also scored the highest number of goals followed by seventh-placed Red Lions who have scored three short and, ironically, the Zomba-based Lions’ talisman Innocent Bokosi is the leading scorer with nine goals.

Revitalised forward Chiukepo Msowoya has been the centrepiece of Bullets’ good run, scoring eight goals aided by his striking partner Jaffalie Chande who has netted seven goals, translating to 15 of the 27 goals scored. Chiukepo is the second leading scorer alongside Silver Strikers’ Green Harawa.

Their   resilient, disciplined and, occasionally inventive displays, confirmed their stature as a formidable side although their game was not that sweet to the eye. Bullets have also kept faith in the squad that won the league last season and only beefed it up with a few more players, notably goalkeeper Owen Chaima, midfielder Eneya Banda and Chiukepo, thereby maintaining consistency.

On his part, soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda said: “The players who started the journey three seasons ago have fully jelled now and the new players have helped consolidate the team’s cohesion. This is in sharp contrast to other clubs whose new players have failed to blend in quickly with the others.

“Second, their winning mentality has heaved upwards the confidence levels. Remember also that Bullets lost just two matches last season [to Epac and KB] and the pattern this season is basically a continuum of an upward trajectory of a side enjoying its game at the moment.”

KB and Civo had the best defence in the first round, they conceded 12 goals apiece while Bullets conceded a goal more.

At the end of the first round last season, Moyale and Bullets were only two points clear of third-placed Blue Eagles and three points above fourth-placed Red Lions.

But this season, Bullets have a six point-cushion ahead of second-placed Azam Tigers and third-placed Be Forward Wanderers.

That Bullets have performed beyond expectations is confirmation of their strength and consistency despite having no time to rest.

“The team hardly rested after the CAF Champions League campaign and the expectation was that by now, most of the players would have run out of steam, but to the contrary, they have shown characteristic grit to soldier on,” says the club’s vice-general secretary Kelvin Moyo.

He also believes that the team’s participation in the CAF tournament has played a big role in improving its performance, but fears that fatigue could take its toll on the players as they did not have off-season break.

Dedza Young Soccer Stars, who are fifth from the bottom with 15 points, had the most ‘generous’ defence having let in 30 goals.

Fisd Wizards, who anchor the table with nine points, Epac FC, Dedza and Airborne Rangers are yet to win away. The flying soldiers have managed to score once away. Bullets and Blue Eagles have yet to lose at home while the Nomads, Red Lions and the champions have not lost away.

Only two hat-tricks were registered in the first round through John Malidadi Jnr of Blue Eagles and Green Harawa of Silver Strikers