TNM Super League title contenders Mighty Wanderer, FCB Nyasa Bullets and Silver Strikers say they cannot afford slip-ups in their remaining fixtures, including this afternoon’s clashes, as that can break their title ambitions.
Leaders Wanderers host Civil Service United at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre while second-placed Bullets are at home against Ekhaya FC at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre. Third-positioned Silver Strikers play away against Karonga United at Karonga Stadium.
I Nation
Wanderers are at the summit of the 16-team log-table with 62 points from 27 games and will end an eight-season league title drought if they win their remaining three games as they are already three points clear of Bullets.
“We know we remain with very tough assignments but we cannot afford to slip-up,” said Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira.
“This Sunday, we are facing Civil, who are a good team. Our players know this and have been prepared psychologically and mentally. We will also do our best to put home ground advantage to perfect use.”
He said he has a full-squad although their Cameroonian striker Thierry Samar Tajong has to be cleared by the doctor first after sustaining an injury in their recent match.
If the Nomads lose to Civil this afternoon but Bullets win against Ekhaya, then the tables will turn in the People’s Team favour because both will be tied on points but Bullets will be on top due to a superior goal difference.
Bullets coach Peter Mponda yesterday said he is aware of the chance that exists and they will fight to win in their remaining fixtures to keep alive their title dreams.
He admitted that they have put themselves in an awkward situation with their inconsistency, which saw them losing their last match 2-0 to Moyale Barracks, but need to up their game.
“We are coming from a huge setback and if we slip-up in any of our next three games, then our title dream will be over. Our mission is to win our next games at all cost,” said Mponda.
He cited Blessings Mpokera’s injury as the only setback ahead of the Ekhaya clash, saying he is one of his most reliable defenders. He said Mpokera might miss the remaining league matches following a knock he suffered during their recent game against Kamuzu Barracks.
Third-placed defending champions Silver Strikers, who have 56 points but have a game in hand, are also determined to win their remaining matches and keep fingers crossed to see Wanderers and Bullets falter.
Silver coach Peter Mgangira, whose side take on Karonga United after beating Ekhaya 1-0 away on Wednesday, yesterday said his side is not under any pressure as they take one game at a time.
Mgangira added that currently, the focus has always been on managing the players physically.
“The team is in good form as we are on a good winning streak. However, that will not distract us. We are focusing on what is ahead of us. As defending champions, our focus is on playing and winning our games,” he said
The Central Bankers, who beat Karonga 3-1 in the first-round, will this afternoon be without midfielders Andrew Joseph and Ernest Petro. Joseph is not fit to play while Petro is in Blantyre on private business.
In another fixture this afternoon, 10th-placed Moyale Barracks will host 11th positioned Creck Sporting Club at Mzuzu Stadium.
