FCB Nyasa Big Bullets face a daunting task to reach the Castel Challenge Cup final when they date unpredictable Mzuzu City Hammers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre this afternoon.
It is a task which seems difficult on paper, with the People’s Team coach Kalisto Pasuwa bemoaning the loss of two left backs Alick Lungu and Chrispin Mapemba.
He fears that this might compromise his side’s performance in attack and defence.
Pasuwa said he would be forced to play without a left-footed defender following the injury of the two players and has called for mental strength from his charges today.
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“We lost Mapemba during the Airtel Top 8 final against Silver at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe. We also lost another left back at Dedza Stadium against Marine in the Castel Cup, where some more players also aggravated knocks,” Pasuwa said.
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The Zimbabwean tactician admitted that it was not easy to play against less fancied sides.
“I want all my players to have a strong mentality against Hammers because we need to win.
“We struggled against Hilltop, yet they are regarded as a small team,” he said.
His counterpart, Kondwa Ikwanga, said his players were ready for the match despite having little time to prepare for it.
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“We have played them before. We know they are a good side but we will not give them a chance. We also want to be in the final and, as such, we are ready,” Ikwanga said.
Bullets’ run in the competition has been impressive after they thrashed non-league side Kumanda 22-1 in the round of 64 before defeating Changalume Barracks 5-0 in a round-of-32 match.
In the round of 16, Bullets narrowly beat Hilltop 1-0 and they overcame Marine 3-1 in the quarterfinal.
On the other hand, Hammers beat Kameme Stars 3-0, Mighty Tigers 1-0 and Karonga United
