Castel Cup calls for Blantyre derby

There is a lot at stake in today’s Castel Cup semi-final between FCB Nyasa Bullets and their archrivals Mighty Mukuru at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre derby.

This is one of the most followed fixtures on the domestic scene. People will be glued to their televisions and radios so as not to miss out on the action.

Wanderers have lost out on three major trophies already this season, namely TNM Super League, the FDH Bank and the Airtel Top 8. This should give the Nomads motivation to give their all.

On the other hand, Bullets, have won TNM Super League and the FDH Bank Cup and have reached the Airtel Top 8  final.

Wanderers coach Mark Harrison has all players available for selection apart from Isaac Kaliati who  has an ankle injury.

He said in a pre-match interview: “It’s more than a derby on Sunday. It’s a semi-final and our last chance of winning a trophy. Whoever starts the game and whoever finishes the game has got to give everything they got. I have told the players don’t come off that field with anything left in the tank. We need to be empty when we leave that field tomorrow.

“Both teams want to play football. I am sure it will be entertaining. We have to go there with a positive mind. I have told the boys that we need to try and dominate possession. If we dominate possession, we will create chances. We have to relax on goal and when an opportunity comes we need to take it.”

Harrison will be hoping his forwards Gaddie Chirwa,  Chiukepo Msowoya, Christopher Kumwembe, Felix Zulu and Vitumbiko Kumwenda will be in form.

Bullets will be without Alick Lungu and Kestin Simbi who are sidelined with injuries. Precious Phiri and Ephraim Kondowe are doubtful too as they are on light training, according to coach Kallisto Pasuwa.

He said: “This time around, our boys have at least  rested. We had some injuries, but three quarters are back. We have been training since Monday and we are ready. The boys are responding well and I hope on the matchday they will do the same. A derby you don’t need to be told. That’s one area that us as coaches will give it to the players. They know the importance of wearing the Bullets badge.”

He, however, admitted that it will be a difficult game as Wanderers are “very hungry” as this affords them a chance to win silverware.

“It is a very difficult game facing a team that is hungry for anything that is left in the country. They play very well and you can see the zeal in them that they want to win. It is unfortunate that they will end up on the losing side. I have told the boys not to be complacent after winning two trophies,” said Pasuwa.