Test for Wanderers, Big Bullets
The battle for points in the TNM Super League reaches an exciting stage this afternoon as leaders Be Forward Wanderers and second-placed Nyasa Big Bullets face unpredictable opponents.
Wanderers host unpredictable Civil Sporting Club at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre whereas Bullets are in action against rookies Mlatho Mponela at Civo Stadium.
As it stands, the title race is still wide open with seven teams still in contention but Wanderers and Bullets are strong favourites to win it as they occupy the top two slots.
But if the Blantyre giants lose ground, the advantage would go to Blue Eagles, Kamuzu Barracks (KB), Civil, Silver Strikers and TN Stars.
The gap between the seven teams is eight points with Wanderers topping the log table after amassing 45 points from 21 games, three points above Bullets who have played 20 games.
Civil are full of confidence having claimed a 1-0 away victory over TN Stars on Tuesday while Wanderers were exempted from action after contributing several players to the Malawi national football team which drew 1-1 with Lesotho in a friendly on Sunday.
When the two sides met in the first round, Wanderers got maximum points after a 1-0 victory at Civo Stadium thanks to Francis Mlimbika’s free kick.
But Wanderers assistant Coach Oscar Kaunda, who will be up against his former club, was cautious ahead of the match.
“We belong to the number one plot in the league and we know Civil will be bent on derailing our campaign. But we will make them dance to our tune. We need the three points more,” Kaunda said.
Wanderers are in high spirits ahead of the game following the return of midfielder Francis Mkonda and Vincent Nyangulu from injuries.
The top flight league’s joint top goal scorer, Babatunde Adepoju, will be hoping to rediscover his scoring boots after a drought in several games.
Zicco Mkanda, Isaac Kaliati and Francisco Madinga also carry the Nomads’ hopes this afternoon as they fight to remain on top.
But Civil Team Manager, Gabriel Chirwa, said they were not intimidated with taking on Wanderers at the soccer mecca.
“We are in top form now and we do not fear any team. Getting three points against Wanderers is possible and we can do it,” Chirwa said.
The Civil Servants’ potential match winners are Blessings Tembo, Fletcher Bandawe, Nickson Mwase and Ranken Mwale.
Bullets are on the road to Lilongwe for a showdown against Mlatho Mponela at Civo Stadium.
Mlatho are buoyed with former Bullets and Wanderers goal poacher Jaffalie Chande who is enjoying good form after returning to the elite league from the Chipiku Central Region Football League.
Bullets arrived in Lilongwe on Thursday without Mike Mkwate, Pilirani Zonda, Dalitso Sailesi, Bright Munthali and Captain John Lanjesi who are injured.
However, Peter Banda and Patrick Phiri, who did not travel with the Malawi national football team to Lesotho last week due to injuries, are fit and available for selection.
Miracle Gabeya and Righteous Banda have also travelled with the People’s Team.
In other matches set for today, Karonga United host Tigers at Karonga Stadium whereas Moyale face Eagles at Mzuzu Stadium.
