It has been eight years since Silver Strikers beat FCB Nyasa Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
On that day, Blessings Tembo scored as the Bankers beat the People’s Team 1-0 in the Fisd Cup.
But when it comes to league matches, Bullets have maintained their dominance over the Bankers for 11 solid years, having last lost to them 2-1 in 2013.
Could this afternoon mark the end of Bullets’ invincibility over the Bankers at the so-called soccer mecca?
Silver by all means, go into the match as favourites. They are unbeaten and at the summit of the table with 22 points, eight ahead of fourth-placed Bullets.
The People’s Team though unbeaten as well, are enduring a shaky start to the season having collected 14 points from a possible 24.
But Central Bankers coach Peter Mponda, a former Bullets assistant coach, downplayed his team’s impressive record, saying they are focused on taking each game as it comes.
He said: “The team is in good shape and ready for our assignment on Sunday which we know won’t be easy, considering that our opponents are very strong when playing at Kamuzu Stadium.
“With our performance in the previous match, we have told the boys to up their game and fight for maximum points and they understand the assignment.
“We are taking one game at a time and this week we play Bullets, therefore, the boys are ready to play and win.”
His counterpart, Kallisto Pasuwa said though facing a team in form, there was no need for special preparations for the match.
He said: “Silver is one of the fixtures that we are supposed to play in 30 matches this season. We can’t say we will prepare for them differently.
“Each and every game that we play is very difficult. We can’t panic and say we will approach it differently.”
But the Zimbabwean tactician was honest to admit that the defending champions are struggling.
“It’s a phase. It will come good. Remember we hand some of the guys who we were playing last year and most of them if you can see, they are injured.
“It’s also combinations. Technically, we need to be good in front of the goal. Scoring is not all about strikers only. It’s all about everyone in the team. Any player can score. Even goalkeepers can also score.”
Bullets have been shy in front of goal, scoring just 10 while Silver have been scoring for fun, having netted 21 this far.
But despite the challenges, Pasuwa warned his former assistant not to underrate the champions.
“We are Bullets. We play with a mind of getting positive results,” he said. Silver are assured of the top position regardless of the result from today’s fixtures.
