Fighting for bragging rights
The country’s historical derby is back this afternoon at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre as FCB Nyasa Bullets face Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in a TNM Super League match.
It is a special day for football fans as the two sides enjoy a huge following in the country.
The fixture is a big event with fans glued to their radios and televisions just to follow the proceedings in Blantyre at Malawi’s football mecca.
On his part, Wanderers president Thom Mpinganjira on Tuesday urged supporters to flock to Kamuzu Stadium today to support the team.
Through a statement posted on Wanderers Media Facebook page, he expressed optimism that the Nomads will carry the day.
Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa knows the importance of the fixture as he acknowledged that every player looks forward to such showdowns.
He said: “We have been preparing for the fixture against Wanderers soon after that game on Wednesday. Each and every player knows that playing against rivals such as Wandarers is a crucial fixture and they need to be ready.
“On Friday, we worked on tactical exercises and we had to correct the mistakes we have been making in recent games. We need to perfect everything.”
Bullets got a boost ahead of their fixture as influential players Patrick Mwaungulu, Clyde Sinaje and Stanley Biliati trained fully and are up for selection.
“From the mindset I have seen in training I think we are ready for the encounter. We are happy to have Patrick (Mwaungulu) and (Clyde) Sinaje and (Stanley) Biliati back and they trained with the whole squad. Alick Lungu is still undergoing rehabilitation,” said Pasuwa.
However, Bullets will miss the services of forward Ephraim Kondowe who is on suspension.
In his stead, the likes of leading goal scorer Lanjesi Nkhoma, Hassan Kajoke and Maxwell Phodo fit in his boots.
In the first round the two rivals drew 0-0.
The two teams are tied at points 53 points, but Bullets who have three games in hand are top because of a superior goal difference.
In their last three league games, Wanderers saw off Bangwe All Stars and Dedza Dynamos and lost to Silver Strikers.
On the other hand, Bullets won all their three games against Kamuzu Barracks, Chitipa United and Moyale Barracks.
Wanderers coach Mark Harrison is oozing with confidence and believes his charges can get a positive result.
He said: “We look focused and ready. We know it’s a massive game for us. The belief is there that we can go and win this game. I do believe if we enter into the game with a positive mind we can get a positive result. If we get the three points we can put pressure on Bullets.
“We have everything to play for. There should be no fear in our team. We just need to go there and express ourselves. Bullets have that winning mentally ingrained in them and we are building that.”
Apart from striker Vitumbiko Kumwenda, who is is back in training but not match fit, Harrison said the rest are match fit.
Wandarers captain Stanley Sanudi expressed hope of winning.
“From the training, we have been having we are ready and can get a result. For us, it’s a must win game. The coach has been working on finishing. We have struggled to get goals this season despite creating chances,” said Sanudi.
