Grudge derby 

All roads lead to Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre tomorrow as the soccer fraternity gears up for the battle of Malawi football titans with Mighty Mukuru Wanderers hosting Nyasa Big Bullets in the TNM Super League.

Following Bullets’ 2-1 victory over their age-old rivals in the first round match, shrouded in controversy over officiation, there is a lot at stake for the two teams.

With the defending champions comfortably dictating the pace in the top-flight league with 48 points, 16 ahead of the Lali Lubani Road Boys, Wanderers need to fight to secure a good result.

It will also be a tall order for Wanderers to salvage a positive for the newly-recruited coach Alex Ngwira who is aware of the daunting task to steady the ship and please the disgruntled fans.

The People’s Team took a gamble to offload some of their experienced players including striker Chiukepo Msowoya and defender Miracle Gabeya who are in their rivals camp.

However, matches between the two sides typify derbies as it does not matter in what form one of them is.

In an interview, Bullets assistant coach, who knows better the pressure of derbies in his playing days, said they are cautious since Wanderers have nothing to lose.

“All our players are available. It’s a difficult game as Wanderers are not fighting for anything. They don’t need these three points. It’s only pride at stake. It’s unfortunate that they have already started talking about referees.

“They want to put psychological pressure on the referees. We need to focus on our preparations. Talking about referees won’t help anything it will only bring tension. We are ready.”

Wanderers coach Alex Ngwira could not be reached for comment, but the team’s public relations manager Ernest Maganga said they are geared for the match.

“We have the best squad on land. The morale is high in our camp as we prepare for the derby. All players are super fit with no injuries.

“We all remember that the last time we played Bullets, Wanderers had an upper hand. We displayed skills that our opponents couldn’t cope with. Officiating personnel spoiled the game. This time around it is our expectation that the rule of fair play must be respected. Otherwise we are ready to triumph and nothing less.”

On the other hand, Wanderers have an experienced squad of battle-hardened campaigners not new when it comes to the Blantyre Derby such as Stanley Sanudi, Alfred Mayonzo, Peter Cholopi, Felix Zulu, Bongani Kaipa, Vincent Nyangulu, Yamikani Chester.