It’s not over—BB

Despite the odds being overwhelmingly stacked against Nyasa Big Bullets ahead of this afternoon’s Luso TV Bus Ipite Bonanza second leg showdown, the People’s Team remain confident of upsetting the tables.

On the other hand, the Nomads have a spring in their step to win the K25 million-worth Nissan Caravan bus having won the first leg 3-0 at Kamuzu Stadium last Monday. But Bullets chairperson Noel Lipipa declared yesterday that his team will conduct a smash-and-grab raid as they get the feel of the state-of-the-art Bingu National Stadium.

“We could be down, but this battle is far from over. We will beat Wanderers 3-0 or 4-0 tomorrow [today],” said an upbeat Lipipa.

“Despite tales of doom and gloom, we are determined to turn it all around and those who have already written us off will be shocked.”

Bold words indeed from a team trailing by three goals, but whether they will be translated into reality remains to be seen.

However, Nomads team manager Stevie Madeira said they will approach the game at full throttle.

“We do not have such luxury. We are going to play as if the scoreline is still at 0-0

“But having said that, Lipipa’s remarks are just kicks of a dying horse. It is just wishful thinking from a team that is desperate.

“We would be mad or insane to fail to protect a three-goal cushion. We are mentally, psychologically and physically ready to complete the mission,” he said.

The Nomads’ ‘sniper’ Jaffalie Chande claimed a brace while experienced midfielder Joseph Kamwendo scored the other goal as the Lali Lubani Road outfit demolished their rivals without hardly breaking sweat.

Meanwhile the stadium’s spokesperson Ireen Zilinda-Mkoko has said all is set for the showdown.

“We are in the process of finalising the logistics alongside the sponsors Luso TV. As stated earlier on, we want to use the match to test the facilities ahead of the official launch,” she said.

The stadium management and Luso TV said they are projecting to raise about K80 million from  gate revenue.

“Should the stadium be filled to capacity as we are anticipating, we should hit that target,” said Zilinda-Mkoko.

According to Luso TV station manager Dick Juma, open and covered stands tickets are going at K2 000 while a seat in the comfort of the VIP enclosure will cost K10 000.

The corporate boxes prices range from K20 000 to K50 000. n