Bullets, Tigers crave for 1st win
Reigning champions FCB Nyasa Bullets and Mighty Tigers will be out to bag their first full points when they clash in the TNM Super League match this afternoon at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The People’s Team were held to a one-all draw by Dedza Dynamos away last week while the Kau-Kau Boys were stunned by newly-promoted Creck Sporting Club, who beat them 3-1away in Lilongwe.
Chasing a sixth successive title, Bullets start as favourites as they did not lose a match at Kamuzu Stadium last season, an arena they turned into a fortress.
They have not lost to Tigers for over 13 years, but last season they had to sweat for victory in the second round in which they won through a penalty converted by Yamikani Fodya with two minutes to full time after playing out a one-all draw in the first-round.
But in an interview yesterday, Tigers coach Leo Mpulula said Bullets should not expect a bed of roses.
“We had a disappointing start to the new season, but we are back on our feet ready to find for all the points on offer tomorrow [today],” he said.
Mpulula said they drew lessons from their shortfalls last week and his charges will go flat out.
He said: “Opening matches are always tricky because you think you are ready when actually there are some areas that you need to work on, it is part of the game.”
On facing Bullets at a venue they rarely falter and in front of an expected intimidating atmosphere, Mpulula said: “I am sure my players will be motivated to prove a point. They are not intimidated at all.”
On the other hand, Bullets gaffer Kalisto Pasuwa said they are determined to get a win after a slow start.
The Zimbabwean tactician, however, said he anticipates a tough match.
Said the former Dynamos FC and Zimbabwe National Football Team coach: “As Bullets, we take each game as it comes. They might not have beaten us for over 13 years, but in football we don’t dwell on history.
“In fact, Tigers is one of the teams that gives us a torrid time. We need to work hard to get full points.”
He also bemoaned the absence of injured players.
“We have about five players that are nursing injuries from last season and then in the opening game last week, [Gaten] Phodo sustained an injury that could keep him out for five to six weeks,” said Pasuwa.
In other games scheduled for this afternoon, Salima-based Mafco host fellow Malawi Defence Force (MDF) side Kamuzu Barracks (KB) of Lilongwe at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota.
Both teams will also be gunning for their first victories after Mafco lost to another MDF side Moyale Barracks 2-1 in their opening fixture while KB drew 1-1 against Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
Mzuzu City Hammers will be hoping to register their second successive win when they host newly-promoted Baka City of Karonga at Mzuzu Stadium.
Hammers pipped Civil Service (Civo) united 1-0 in their first game while Baka lost by the same margin to Karonga United in a Karonga derby.
Civo are hoping to recover from that loss when they take on Dedza Dynamos at Civo Stadium in the capital city.
