Hammers vow to pound Bullets
Ekwendeni Hammers FC have vowed to pound TNM Super League reigning champions Nyasa Big Bullets this afternoon despite a potential intimidating atmosphere awaiting them at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The rookies’ patron Gift Mkandawire yesterday said they are aware that the People’s Team is aiming at a quick recovery from a frustrating goalless draw against TN Stars in Kasungu last weekend.
Second-placed Bullets narrowly beat third-placed Hammers 1-0 away in the first round. The People’s Team has 33 points from 17 matches while Ekwendeni have 26 points from 16 games.
Silver Strikers, who face TN Stars in Kasungu this afternoon, are at the summit of the table with 38 points from 16 games.
Said Mkandawire: “Of course, we are going into this game with an underdog tag, but we know nothing is impossible once we put our hearts into the game.”
“However, our only concern is that, with a large following at their back, Bullets can deliberately force the officiating panel to handle the match with pressure and favour them.
“We would, therefore, like to appeal for a fair and professional handling of our game against Bullets.
“We are concerned because some comments which Bullets assistant coach [Peter Mponda] made when playing against TN Stars in Kasungu seemed intimidatory to the officiating personnel, who may end up being really disadvantageous to minnows such as Ekwendeni. They should let the officiating panel handle the game professionally and we promise an entertaining afternoon.”
Mponda said they cannot respond to the Hammers’ “concern” because it is “mere empty rhetoric”.
He said Bullets are focused on ensuring that they pluck full points from the match tomorrow to narrow the gap at the top of the table and increase their chances of defending the title.
“After failing to collect full points against TN Stars last weekend, our players are aware of the important task ahead and they are ready to win the game. We know Ekwendeni are a strong team and we cannot underrate them,” Mponda said.
Bullets, who have so far won nine games, drawn six and lost two, are hoping that the likes of Zicco Mkanda, Hassan Kajoke and Chimwemwe Idana will advance the club’s agenda while Ekwendeni, who have eight wins, two draws and six defeats, bank their hopes on players such as Chawanangwa Gumbo, Eneya Banda and captain Eric Kaonga.
Silver assistant coach McDonald Mtetemela, whose side boasts 12 wins, two draws and two losses, said they are determined to widen the gap as they face stubborn hosts TN Stars.
In other crucial encounters this afternoon, buoyed by their 3-1 home triumph over Ntopwa FC last weekend, Karonga United are eager to continue their impressive home run as they host in-form giants Mighty Wanderers while Blue Eagles will be up against Mzuzu Warriors at Nankhaka ground in Lilongwe.
The other fixture will see Civil Service United locking horns with Mighty Tigers at Civo Stadium.
