The run-up to the TNM Super League title chase continues this afternoon with two of the three contenders, FCB Nyasa Bullets and Silver Strikers in action.
The People’s Team, who sit at the pinnacle of the domestic flagship league, are away to Mzuzu where they face Malawi Defence Force (MDF) side Moyale Barracks at Mzuzu Stadium while the Bankers travel to Blantyre to face Ekhaya FC.
Bullets are tied on 59 points with their second-placed rivals Mighty Wanderers with four matches apiece before they wind up the campaign while the Bankers are third with 53 points, but with a game in hand.
In the other hand, Wanderers won’t be in action until tomorrow when they host Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
In an interview yesterday, Bullets coach Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda said they expect a tough match against the Lions of Kaning’ina, who are in the drop zone.
“We expect a highly competitive match as both teams are involved in contrasting battles. I see it being decided with small margins,” he said.
On whether today’s showdown could be their biggest test in the title chase run-iup, the Bullets gaffer said: “It is just one of them, all our remaining four games are very crucial.”
Moyale lie 11th in the 16-team league with 33 points from 26 matches.
Their coach Pritchard Mwansa said in an interview yesterday that it is a must-win game for them if they are to boost their survival hopes.
“It will be a tough match because Bullets are fighting for the title, but we have to fight for all the three points,” he said.
Mwansa, whose side is coming from a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Civil Service United, said the focus has been recovery due to a crammed schedule.
He said: “We hosted Ekhaya last Thursday which we won 2-1 before travelling to Lilongwe where we played Civo and tomorrow [today], we’ll be up against Bullets.
“That means three matches within six days and fatigue has obviously crept in. It is hectic.”
In the first–round encounter, Bullets won 3-0 at home.
Meanwhile, Silver coach Peter ‘Shoes’ Mgangira said they are ready for Ekhaya.
“We are up against a side with skillful and hungry youngsters, so it will not be an easy game, but we are well-prepared,” he said.
The Cowboys, fresh from a 1-0 loss to Wanderers, are sixth with 39 points from 26 matches.
Ekhaya coach Enos Chatama said they have been working on the shortfalls that were noted in their recent matches.
He said: “We are just lacking balance upfront, if we work on that, we can contain these big teams.
“We know our shortfalls, we are fixing the weak areas as we go and we will give it our best shot against Silver and see what happens.
With Bullets and Silver in action today, the Nomads will be keenly following the events.
On another match, Blue Eagles host MDF side Kamuzu Barracks in an all-Lilongwe affair.
