Bullets switch attention to league title defence

FCB Nyasa Bullets have switched their attention to the TNM Super League title defence as they face Bangwe All Stars at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre fresh from their CAF Champions League humiliation in which they were booted out by TP Mazembe on a 5-0 aggregate.

The People’s Team Bullet can now concentrate on the job at hand to narrow the gap between them and leaders Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.

The Nomads lead the table with 46 points from 23 matches, but Bullets, who are third with 40 points, have four games in hand.

It is now up to the defending champions, who returned home on Monday, to translate the games into points.

In an interview yesterday, Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga sounded confident of bouncing back.

“They strongly believe that you fall and rise again. They know that failure is not infinite. You rise, gather your broken pieces and resume your journey going forward. They bounce back in fashion. They quickly shift focus to something else” he said.

On his part, Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa said they have put behind the CAF Champions League debacle and switched focus to the Bangwe All Stars fixture.

Bullets won the first round encounter 2-0 at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre.

Bangwe assistant coach Joseph Kamwendo yesterday said his charges are looking forward to this afternoon’s match.

He said: “We are more than ready. We are aware that we are up against the champions and it is not going to be an easy task.

“We have had good preparations and we believe this is the best time to face Bullets.

“The league is tight this season and we cannot afford any further slip-ups.”

In other matches slated for this afternoon, Karonga United host Zomba-based Red Lions at Karonga Stadium while Moyale Barracks take on Civil Service United from Lilongwe at Rumphi Stadium.

Mafco FC and Ekwendeni Hammers clash at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota.

The league action continues tomorrow as Dedza Dynamos host Extreme FC from Mchinji at Dedza Stadium.

The match was initially scheduled for this afternoon, but Super League of Malawi general secretary Williams Banda said it has been rescheduled as the venue is booked.