Testing new missiles
This afternoon’s Blantyre derby—which features age-old rivals Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers—offers the two outfits’ new signings a timely platform to showcase their talents and prove their worth ahead of the 2019 season.
The two giants clash in the Nyasa Big 4 Bonanza at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre and both teams yesterday played down the significance of the latest episode, insisting that it will be more about getting ready for the new season.
However, there is always pride at stake whenever the clash of giants comes up regardless of its significance.
Both teams have a chance to win the four-team international bonanza if they win this afternoon’s showdown. The Nomads are joint top with Mozambican top-flight Mocambola League side Ferroviario de Nampula on four points while the People’s Team lie third with three points going into their final match.
Zimbabwe’s Chicken Inn anchor the table with no point, having lost both their games against Wanderers (1-0) and Bullets (2-1).
Wanderers team manager Stevie Madeira said apart from assessing new players, the bonanza offers them an opportunity to make their 2019 season intentions clear by winning the event.
“We said it at the beginning of the season that our aim is to try different formations and combinations; players’ fitness levels and to try some new faces, especially the young players that we have drafted into the main team from our reserve side.
“This far, they have all been impressive and I can single out Fransisco Madinga,” he said.
Apart from the promoted players, who also include coach Bob Mpinganjira’s son Wisdom, Rhiaz Juma, Aubrey Maloya and Chikondi Kamanga, the Nomads have also featured other new faces such as Babatunde Adepojo and Hanke Machila.
The Nomads’ other new catch, midfielder Francis Mkonda is with the Under-23 national team in Egypt alongside his new team-mates Dennis Chembezi, Stanley Sanudi, Peter Cholopi and Ernest Tambe while their prospective new-signing Peter Kasonga, will only be available from March 15, when his contract with Mighty Tigers expires.
On the other hand, Bullets coach Callisto Pasuwa also stressed that the derby will not make them change their focus on the bonanza.
“Of course, there is always pride that comes with the derby, but to us, the emphasis is about getting prepared for the new season,” he said.
New-signings Ben Manyozo and Luke Chima are expected to get a run while Precious Sambani will not be available alongside Rabson Chienda, Mike Mkwate, Patrick Phiri, Chimwemwe Idana and Hassan Kajoke who are also with the Under-23 national team.
Chicken Inn and Ferroviario de Nampula will curtain-raise the derby.
