Nomads out to seek revenge

The stage is set as Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Nyasa Big Bullets fans will be hoping for a big turn of their teams as they face-off in a Blantyre derby at Kamuzu Stadium this afternoon. This is the fixture whether you like it or not, when the Blantyre derby comes around, the football gods go crazy as it is the biggest fixture in domestic football.

By Mabvuto Kambuwe

The stage is set as Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Nyasa Big Bullets fans will be hoping for a big turn of their teams as they face-off in a Blantyre derby at Kamuzu Stadium this afternoon.

This is the fixture whether you like it or not, when the Blantyre derby comes around, the football gods go crazy as it is the biggest fixture in domestic football.

The derby has always been around since 1969/70 when the first derby was played at the then Rangeley Stadium (now Kamuzu Stadium) in Blantyre.

For several decades, fans from both camps have been engaged in verbal tirades on who owns the bragging rights.

Surely, apart from points, bragging rights are also at stake.

Heading into the match, both sides are full of confidence having won their respective matches in the FDH Bank Cup last week.

Honestly, this is a grudge battle as Bullets defeated their rivals 2-1 in the official opening match of the season.

In this fixture, statistics do not favour Wanderers having won only one match in nine years. They won 1-0 at the same venue in the second round match last season.

The Nomads are far behind in the title race and they would want to close the gap with Bullets.

Bullets are at the summit of the 16-member log table with 48 points from 18 matches, 16 points above Wanderers, who have played a game less.

Probably, there is renewed hope in Wanderers camp following the arrival of experienced Coach Alex Ngwira. This is his first ever Blantyre derby.

Ahead of the match, Ngwira said his troops would come flat out.

“We will make life tough for Bullets. We want to win the match to give our fans something,”’ Ngwira said.

Ngwira have all the players available for selection. This afternoon, Pilirani Mapila is likely to keep his place ahead of Richard Chipuwa whereas Miracle Gabeya, Adeleke Kalawole, Ted Sumani and Stanley Sanudi would form a water tight defence on a good day.

In midfield, veteran Alfred Manyozo jnr, Felix Zulu, Isaac Kaliati and Yamikani Chester can cause plenty of problems to opponents on a good day.

Muhammad Sulumba and Vincent Nyangulu will likely start upfront for the Nomads.

However, Bullets have been a hard nut to crack especially at Kamuzu Stadium as they are undefeated in all competitions this season.

Sounding calm and composed, Bullets Assistant Coach Peter Mponda said they intend to protect their reputation.

“We will take the game to them. We believe that there is nothing Wanderers are playing for, it is only pride at stake, they want to beat Bullets,” Mponda said.

Bullets have not been at their best in the second round having conceded first in the two matches from three matches.

Ahead of the derby, Kalisto Pasuwa is sweating for the fitness of experienced defender John Lanjesi. However, Pasuwa has plenty of options at the back namely Hadji Wali, Gomezgani Chirwa, Blessings Mpokera and Kesten Simbi.

Captain Chimwemwe Idana, Patrick Mwaungulu, Henry Kabichi, Babatunde Adepoju and Hassan Kajoke are carrying Bullets’ hopes.

In another match this afternoon, Kamuzu Barracks will host Karonga United at Civo Stadium whereas Mafco will face Rumphi United at Rumphi Stadium.