Azam Tigers out to delay Big Bullets party
Wounded Azam Tigers are on the prowl in Blantyre, threatening to delay the crowning of Big Bullets as 2015 TNM Super League champions at Kamuzu Stadium Wednesday.
Lying 14 points clear on 54 points from 23 games, Bullets just need a point to seal an unprecedented 13th title with four games to spare.
However, having gone all eight second round-league games without a win, Tigers have a point to prove and maximum points to die for.
In arithmetic terms, the Kau Kau have played for 720 minutes, or 12 hours without tasting victory; quite a contrast to their decent second-place first round finish.
You can therefore understand, the anger and frustration that the sixth-placed Tigers (32 points) hope to turn into a motivation against the leaders, who have not lost in the league at home.
Tigers technical director, Robin Alufandika, warned that it was too early for Bullets to buy champagne because the championship celebrations will be delayed.
“Congratulations are in order to the Bullets camp. They have done a tremendous job to defend the championship,” Alufandika said Tuesday.
“However, one thing is clear that Bullets will have to wait before lifting the trophy. They should not buy champagne now as we will frustrate them. We also need points to improve our standings.”
The instructions from Tigers coach, Gerald Phiri Snr to the players are simple: “Beating Bullets can help us turn the corner, so do not drop your heads.”
Tigers top striker, Peter Katsonga, who might start upfront alongside hard-running Bright Munthali, yesterday echoed Alufandika’s tough-talk.
“We lost 2-1 to Bullets in the first round due to some basic mistakes. Now, Bullets want one point, but let them get it from some teams not us,” added Katsonga who is up against Bullets’ Sankhani Mkandawire-led defence.
Tigers have another Peter Cholopi to shore up the defence and Yamikani Chester to thrill and float all over the pitch.
However, Bullets technical director, Billy Tewesa Tuesday laughed off Tigers’ remarks, saying nothing can stop Bullets from holding an early celebration.
“We are in good spirits and we will not entertain any disturbance. We want to reward our supporters for staying with us through thick and thin,” said Tewesa, whose side can bank their celebrations on Jaffalie Chande’s scoring form and Yamikani Fodya’s versatility.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
