Mafco dare Bullets as Nomads soar
Mafco has vowed to cause another upset against FCB Nyasa Bullets as the two sides face off at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre this afternoon in the first round of the TNM Super League.
Mafco were the only side to beat Bullets last season through a Zikani Sichinga goal at Dedza Stadium.
Unlike Bullets who drew in their opening match in Lilongwe against Silver Strikers, Mafco started brighty beating rookies Extreme FC 2-1.
Goals came from the midfield with Bernard Chimaimba and Walusungu Mpata showing how complex Mafco offensive can be.
In an interview ahead of the clash, Mafco coach Sterio Gondwe was upbeat of beating Bullets.
“It’s going to be an exciting, beautiful and difficult match but we will beat them. We are in good shape and all the players are fit. We beat them last year and will repeat the feat,” said a confident Gondwe.
In the 2023 official squad, Mafco have retained most of the old guards who got elite league experience.
On his part, Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa acknowledged in a pre-match press briefing the Mafco threat.
He said: “They are a very tough opposition for us after they ended our unbeaten run last season.We need to be positive in whatever we do in order for us to collect all the points, because the last time we faced them, we lost.
“It was a game where they had everything and wanted the points and they got them. We mustn’t go there with the tag of saying we are Bullets without playing.
“We should always brag about Bullets after playing and winning.”
The coach said preparations have been good and the camp is brimming with optimism.
Pasuwa said: “So far, so good in camp. It is very important to win our first game at home and we will strive to do that.”
But pressure is mounting on the defending champions to collect full points after rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers made it two wins in two matches to take firm grip on top.
Straight from 2-0 home victory over Civil Service United the Nomads yesterday whipped Red Lions 3-0 at Balaka Stadium.
Forward Christipher Kumwembe scored a hattrick to make it four goals in two matches having scored as well in the opening match.
But Wanderers coach Mark Harrison said it is too early to start bragging.
He said: “Of course winning two out two opening games is good. But there is a long way to go.”
In Lilongwe, Silver also collected maximum points after seeing off Blue Eagles 1-0 at their backyard Nankhaka Stadium through Chimwemwe Idana to move to second position with four points.
