FCB Nyasa Bullets coach Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda has appealed to the club’s fans not to panic, insisting that the team is on the right track.
He was reacting to criricism from a section of fans over the substitutions he made during the recent TNM Super League match against Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre where the visitors came from two goals down to force a three-all draw.
After the match, some rowdy fans demanded an explanation from Mponda while others stoned and deflated their team bus.
But in an interview, Mponda said: “We see things differently and while I respect their opinion, I urge them to remain calm and have trust in me.”
He was also quoted by MBC Digital as having wondered where the pressure was coming from, saying the team did better at the end of the first round this time than at the same stage last season.
Said Mponda: “When I was with Silver Strikers last season, we finished the first round with 37 points while at Bullets, we have 34 points. Yes, I have dropped by three points, but there is consistency.
“On the other hand, the team [Bullets] had 23 points at the end of the first round last season, which is 11 points lower than our tally now.
“Having said that, we lost several key players before the start of the season and we now have almost a complete new team.
“I am happy with the way we are doing and I am happy with the performance of the players.”
Bullets scting chief executive officer Albert Chigoga said the coach has the team’s backing.
“He should be allowed to perform his duties without ny interference, if at all there are grievances, then procedures must be followed,” he said.
Apart from winning the Airtel Top 8, Bullets finished second in the first round with 35 points, a point behind leaders and rivals Mighty Wanderers.
They also won the highest number of games, 11, but lost three and drew once unlike the Nomads, who are unbeaten but have drawn five times.
Bullets were also the highest scoring team, having netted 33 goals, 10 above the Nomads.
