Mpulula fails Max Bullets

Striker Chikondi Mpulula’s wastefulness cost Max Bullets an opportunity to narrow the gap on leaders Surestream after drawing with them 0-0 at a packed Sedi Admarc Ground off Chiradzulu Road on Saturday afternoon.

The result of the 23-member Premier Division game left Surestream still nine points clear on 82 points from 33 games whereas Max Bullets are third on 73 points, also from 33 games, in the Southern Region Football Association league.

At the wet, sandy and bumpy ground where many fans, including Big Bullets coach Elia Kananji, mounted a human wall with others cheering, Max Bullets opted for defensive discipline in the opening half.

The hosts coached by MacDonald Yobe responded to Surestream’s delightful exchange of passes with occasional long balls, targeting Mpulula.

If captain Ernest Tambe kept Surestream midfield pot boiling with a geometry of passing and runs, attacker Isaac Mwale was simply awesome.

But that did not bother Max Bullets; after all, this exactly is what they expected from the visitors in this second-round meeting.

In fact, Max Bullets gradually came out of their defensive shell as the game wore on. They attacked from the right before a ball was swept with power and swerve diagonally across Surestream goalkeeper Brightone Munthali.

However, Mpulula, formerly of Blantyre United, Blue Eagles and Evirom, threw himself down with an outstretched leg seconds too late as the ball rolled out of play. Surestream’s packed bench panicked.

After break, Surestream injected onto the pitch fresh attacking legs of Peter Msowoya and Mike Mkwate for Mwale and Tambe respectively.

Mkwate and Msowoya were a thorn in the flesh of Max Bullets with endless dribbling and penetrative runs.

Mkwate thought he had snatched a goal when getting to an end of a long ball, but he placed his shot wide. But make no mistake about it, it was Max Bullets who looked more threatening every time left-winger Ian Zakazaka floated the ball into the box.

One of such balls found Mpulula towering above the rest, but as was the story the whole afternoon, he flashed a free header wide when meeting Zakazaka corner.

Mpulula was again at his wasteful best when he failed to simply sweep the ball into the net with Max Bullets coaching panel holding their heads in disbelief.

After the game, Surestream official Patricio Kulemeka said he was not surprised at the draw.

“It was a result we expected. We knew it was going to be tough. It was a kind of game that could have gone either way. We are happy with the draw,” said Kulemeka. n

Soccer mecca in the making

Work on the Chinese-funded modern sports stadium being built in Lilongwe is making steady progress. This aerial photo, captured by SkyCam, showcases the architectural marvel of the 40 000-seater facility, due for completion in November.

Mwawi rejoins Tactix squad

Singayazi Kaminjolo

Staff Reporter

Netball export Mwawi Kumwenda has joined her teammates at EasiYo Tactix as they prepare for the 2015 ANZ Championship.

She arrived in New Zealand on Friday, January 2 and joined teammates on Saturday where she also had a briefing from new coach Sue Hawkins.

Mwawi delayed joining the squad, which regrouped by December 1, because she was here at home distributing various items, which well-wishers in New Zealand had raised, to some hospitals and schools.

The team had a two-week festive season break and will link up today.

“I thank God that I have arrived safely. I am looking forward to a new season. I met the new coach and I was impressed immediately,” said Mwawi, who is the only African in the ANZ league.

While in the country, Mwawi trained with Blue Eagles Sisters and Diamonds.

“It is a highly intense game in New Zealand and I could not afford to relax for long. Apart from training with Eagles, I also spent much of my time in the gym to keep in shape. I am looking to another successful season with Tactix,” she said.

Mwawi was a huge success in her first season at Tactix and she deservedly won the Best New Talent Award.

Not only did she impress retired coach Leigh Gibbs but also Tactix chief executive officer Brigit Hearn who described her as a huge asset.

“We are thrilled to have her for the 2015 season. She is a huge asset to the Tactix family,” Hearn was quoted as saying on the club’s website.  n