The Blantyre derby is one of the most anticipated and followed fixture in domestic football that has been served mild and cold in the last five years.
In all fairness the two superpowers Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have been riding on the pedigree and success of previous derbies.
Yet by nature the Blantyre Derby is supposed to produce a lot of thrills and talking points, leaving supporters on the edge of their seats while grasping for more action.
This afternoon, Wanderers will host Bullets at the soccer mecca, Kamuzu Stadium with both sides facing a date with destiny in the TNM Super League race.
In the last five league games, four have ended in draws, with Bullets winning once.
Wanderers last defeated Bullets in a league match in 2021 with striker Vincent Nyangulu, who left the Nomads during the midseason transfer window, scoring the winner.
A year later Bullets registered their last league victory over the Nomads when substitute Anthony Mfune gave Bullets the winner at a time Wanderers thought they had done enough to secure a point.
On that occasion, Wanderers, despite bossing possession ended up leaving the pitch without a point.
Such has been the case with the Nomads as they have often taken a lion’s share of possession in most derbies but do not utilise it.
For once, supporters are expected to watch an entertaining match as there is a lot at stake with K100 million prize money for the champions at the end following the hike of sponsorship by sponsors, TNM.
At the moment, Wanderers know that besides the city’s bragging rights, but winning the match to stay firm in title contention as any other result would prove detrimental.
Nevertheless, Wanderers Coach Meck Mwase believes his charges cannot repeat the mistakes which they have been making in previous games.
“We are a different side longing for nothing but victory. We will go flatout with our game plan,” Mwase said.
Surely, Wanderers have a lot to fight for as they last won the league in 2017 and winning it again should be their ultimate mission.
Currently, the Nomads are second on the table with 44 points from 22 games whereas Bullets are fourth with 37 points from the same number of games.
On the other hand, Silver Strikers top the table with 50 points from 22 games.
With the statistics in mind Mwase is aware that any slight slip up will dearly cost his charges’ chances in the title race.
The former Flames mentor will likely feature the likes of goalkeeper William Thole, right back Stanley Sanudi, playmaker Isaac Kaliati, attacker Wisdom Mpinganjira and forward Sama Thierry Tanjong.
Bullets Coach Kalisto Pasuwa has refused to throw in the towel despite trailing Wanderers by seven points and leaders Silver by 13 points having all played 22 games each.
“All the boys are okay as of now it is two or three guys nursing injuries. Each and every one knows how important it is to play the derby. As coaches we are now motivating them. A derby is one where one can be recorded to have won. Derbies are tough games but we need to be positive,” Pasuwa said.
Bullets have potential match winners in the likes of Babatunde Adepoju and Maxwell Phodo Gasten.
In another derby, Moyale Barracks will face Mzuzu City Hammers at Mzuzu Stadium.
Today’s other match will involve Chitipa United and Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos at Karonga Stadium.
Action will continue tomorrow when Silver Strikers host Civil Service United in a capital city derby at Silver Stadium while Bangwe All Stars will date Kamuzu Barracks at Balaka Stadium. Mafco will face Baka City at Chitowe Stadium.
Meanwhile, Super League of Malawi Vice General Secretary Donnex Chilonga said security will be tightened.
“We have put in place necessary structures to ensure the safety of every stakeholder,” Chilonga said.
