Silver Strikers fire warning shots to Big Bullets
Resurgent Lilongwe giants, Silver Strikers have said they are geared to end their poor TNM Super League run against leaders, Big Bullets, in this Saturday’s encounter at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Matches between the two giants often provide thrilling action, whose tales have remained in the folklore of Malawian football.
One recent example is the first round league encounter where Bullets’ Chiukepo Msowoya scored a spectacular over-head kick at Silver Stadium and Sam Gunda equally produced an exquisite scissor-kick in Bullets’ 2-1 victory.
Silver have struggled against Bullets in recent seasons in league and cup assignments.
This season alone, Silver have lost to Bullets twice—in the first round of the league and in Carlsberg Cup semi-final.
But, recently the Bankers have picked up their form to rise to third on the league table, nine points behind the leaders Bullets with 35 points from 19 matches.
However, Bullets have a game in hand against the Bankers who also trail second-placed Mafco by two points.
Silver acting-general secretary, Fred Kalonga, said his side was determined to revive its title hopes with victory over Bullets who saw their unbeaten run come to an end a fortnight ago with a 2-1 loss against Airborne Rangers.
“We are bringing our strongest squad. Bullets claim to have won the league, therefore we are coming to congratulate them, but of course, they will have to beat us first. We have no pressure on our side and we are taking each game as it comes. The defence is water-tight and the attack is lethal. We are coming with all guns blazing,” he said.
“It is very important to win this match in order to finish the season in the paying ranks. We are a big team, therefore we can’t afford to finish the season without anything to show to our sponsor. A win will boost our morale and revenge the two losses against Bullets.”
Meanwhile, Bullets’ technical director, Billy Tewesa, said victory over the Bankers would be a step closer to the defence of the League title.
“We have to win two games from the remaining nine to be guaranteed of the title. Victory over Silver Strikers will be a major step towards the title. Everybody is ready for the match and we expect victory at the end of the day,” he said.
Both sides boast of strong attacks with Bullets being led by Msowoya, Dalitso Sailesi, Mussa Manyenje and McFarlen Ngwira. Bullets will be without Sankhani Mkandawire and Jaffalie Chande who are suspended.
Silver would rely on the league’s top scorer, Green Harawa, Peter Wadabwa, Victor Limbani, Ndaziona Chatsalira and Sam Gunda.
Silver complete their Southern Region mission with a match against Fisd Wizards at Kamuzu Stadium tomorrow.
It would not be an easy ride for the Bankers since the rookies held them at home in the first round and they are also coming from victory over Airborne Rangers.
In other league action tomorrow, Airborne Rangers face Dedza Young Soccer Stars at Chitowe Ground, while Mzuni and Moyale Barracks clash in Mzuzu derby.
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