Big Bullets, Silver Strikers seek to stay close to Nomads
The TNM Super League enters its defining moment with third-placed Nyasa Big Bullets and second-positioned Silver Strikers desperate to close in on leaders Be Forward Wanderers.
Bullets’ tough away assignments begin today when they date Civil Sporting Club at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe whereas pacesetters, Wanderers, host Mafco at Balaka Stadium Saturday.
Wanderers have 41 points from 17 games whereas Silver, who face Dwangwa United Sunday at Chitowe Stadium, have 38 points from 18 games.
Bullets have 34 points from 17 games and winning both assignments, including against defending champions Kamuzu Barracks Sunday, would keep the People’s Team in title contention.
Bullets Assistant Coach, Elia Kananji, said their ultimate mission was to win both away games.
“The race has reached the most critical stage where we cannot afford to drop points. As usual, we will try to collect maximum points so that, at the end, we should be up there. We are not concerned with how our rivals are performing. Time will come, at the end of the season, when we will all account for our games and that is the time we are waiting for,” he said.
Bullets’ forward Chiukepo Msowoya is slowly rediscovering his scoring boots whereas playmaker Nelson Kangunje remains a potential match-winner.
Civil Team Manager, Gabriel Chirwa, said beating Bullets would be a big motivation for the players. Chirwa said Bullets struggled to beat Civil in the first-round and Carlsberg Cup.
“We gave them a good run in the previous encounters. In short, this should be pay-back time,” said Chirwa, whose team is sixth on the log table, with 29 points from 18 games.
Forwards Righteous Banda and Fletcher Bandawe have been lethal in spearheading Civil’s revival whereas defender Gomezgani Chirwa has been rock-solid.
In another fixture, Wanderers, longing to end their league drought dating back to 2006, face unpredictable Mafco Saturday.
Wanderers Team Manager, Steve Madeira, said it was too early to dub them league championship favourites.
“All we know is that Rome was not built in a day; as such, we will take each game as it comes. The beauty with our team is that, despite several injuries, we have the depth to challenge for honours,” he said.
Despite injuries to key players, Wanderers have been consistent in the league and they are able to grind out results.
Former Flames forward, Esau ‘Black Mamba’ Kanyenda, has given Wanderers attacking options after scoring in two successive games.
Holding midfielder Rafiq Namwera has also been the hub of the Nomads, linking up play between defence and the striking force.
Mafco Coach, Temwa Msuku, has the ability to stun big teams. Even though the soldiers have not been consistent this season, Wanderers must tread carefully.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
