As the chase for the 2024 TNM Super League title heads towards the climax, leaders Silver Strikers and second-placed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers have crucial encounters this afternoon.
The Bankers, who sit pretty at the summit of the log table with 58 points from 26 matches, host Karonga-based Baka City at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe, in a match pitting leaders against table-anchors.
On the other hand, the Nomads, who trail Silver by five points, take on Salima-based Malawi Defence Force side Mafco FC at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
With the title reduced to a two-horse race, the two teams are aware that any slip, especially for the Nomads, could prove fatal.
A win for the Reserve Bank of Malawi-sponsored side will boost their chances of ending their 11-year top-flight title drought while the Nomads will be hoping that Silver will falter ahead of their clash on Saturday.
Silver coach Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda in an interview on Tuesday described today’s match as tricky.
He said: “It could turn out to be our most tricky match. Baka have nothing to lose, to them it will be about fighting for pride.
“In my players’ minds, they think it will be an easy one and you can see it in their body language. So, that’s where we need to be careful. We need to prepare the players psychologically that it won’t be a bed of roses.
“Otherwise, this is a match we must win at all cost if we are to remain firm favourites, especially considering that our next game is against Wanderers.”
Baka City coach Kondwani ‘Tootsman’ Mwalweni in an interview on Tuesday warned Silver not to expect an easy game.
He said: “We are not here to aid them win the league. We have our pride to protect and we will fight to the very end. We can’t travel all the way from Karonga just to help them win the league, if they want to win, then they will have to sweat for it.”
Ironically, Baka have done fairly well in the recent past, beating fellow rookies Fomo FC 2-1 and holding Mighty Wakawaka Tigers to a two-all draw.
In the first round encounter, Silver won 2-0 at Karonga Stadium.
Meanwhile, Mpinganjira, who has won both his league assignments against Tigers 5-0 and Bangwe All Stars 1-0 since he took charge, said they expect a tough match.
He said: “We have discussed with the players on the importance on the game.
“The league is still open and we want to win so that we remain in contention. This is a match we cannot afford to drop points if we are to keep our title hopes alive.
“It will be a tough match, but we are prepared.”
In the first round, the two teams played out a goalless draw at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota. I
In another match, third-placed FCB Nyasa Bullets are away to Civil Service United at Civo Stadium in the capital city. Bullets have 45 points from 26 games.
