Football giants FCB Nyasa Bullets, Mighty Wanderers and Silver Strikers will this afternoon return to TNM Super League action after a break due to Flames engagements in make-or-break fixtures.
Leaders Bullets cannot afford to slip up as they face Mighty Tiger at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre as a draw or loss will give an advantage to rivals Wanderers who take on Kamuzu Barracks at Champions Stadium in Mponela, Dowa.
Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira said the away fixture against Kamuzu Barracks is a must-win as they aim at dislodging Bullets who lead with 18 points.
Straight from a Blantyre derby loss that cut their lead to just two points, Bullets return to the Kamuzu Stadium with a hope of reviving their campaign.
Assistant coach Gilbert Chirwa in a pre-match interview emphasized the need to return to winning ways.
He said: “The previous game that we played against Wanderers, we did not do well. Most reliable players were not in the game, We made a lot of mistakes.
“So, the whole of last week and this week, we’ve been rectifying those mistakes and we don’t want the same mistakes to happen.
“We dropped three points. We need to pull up our socks so that we have, at the end of the day, we should be able to collect maximum points.”
Chirwa said they learnt a lesson from the Blantyre derby in which they were favourites, only to be stunned by a determined Wanderers.
The former Flames centre-back said as they face Tigers, they have to respect their opponents.
He said: “Most teams when they’re meeting Bullets always work hard. They want to make history out of us.
“So, I know for sure, they may sound struggling in other games, but I think when it comes to Bullets, every team really works hard.
“We’re not underrating them. We know they’re a good team. We just take them just like any other team. And the fact that we’re coming from a loss, we would like to work very hard so that we should be able to win the game.”
On his part, Tigers coach Leo Mpulula said they took advantage of th break to recharge.
He said: We know its a high profile game. We know they will come flat out to frustrate us. But we are ready for them.”
Straight from the Lilongwe derby victory over Civil Service United, Silver are also aiming at maintaining the momentum as they face Blue Eagles at Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe.
But Silver coach Peter Mgangira said matches against Blue Eagles are always tough.
He said: “The boys look sharp; they’re ready for the game. It’s not going to be easy. Playing against the Blue Eagles is always tough.
“They have a ver y experienced coach [Deklerk Msakakuona], who’s been at all levels, locally and even at international level.
“So, as I always say that we respect the opposition, but we do not fear them. They are playing at home; they would also come flat out, looking for three points.
“But as team, I think we are ready. We didn’t start well. We started very slow because we lost the first game against Bullets on the opening day, which was not good.
“But of late, we’ve had some very good wins and very good performances, which I am very satisfied with. So, we’re just looking for consistency, so that we should be winning game after game”
On his part, Msakakuona said they are also set for the match.
He said: “We are prepared. I know it’s a good game. You know, when we are meeting Silver, for sure, you always forget about the past results.
“You focus on the game coming ahead of you. As a team, we are set for the game. It’s very important, but first of all, we should look first at playing as a team.
“They’re all set. They’re all looking positive.
“I know whosoever will be given a chance come Sunday is going to perform fully and let us get good results.”
