Tomorrow at Kamuzu Stadium, in the FDH Bank Knockout Cup, is the much awaited Blantyre derby in Malawi. FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, longtime rivals, square off in this derby.
The rivalry takes place at a time when the defending champion Bullets are struggling, having won only four of their previous 14 league games.
Kalisto Pasuwa, a Zimbabwean tactician who has led the squad since 2019, is the driving force behind the group. Since joining, he has won every league title.
But despite his incredible run, the Bullets administration has suspended striker Hassan Kajoke, taken Precious Sambani’s armband away, and suggested bringing in reserve coach Enos Chatama to help Pasuwa due to the team’s continued struggles.
BolaNews has been informed by sources that if the team’s poor performance persists, Bullets intend to give Chatama an opportunity to lead the team.
Meeting of the two in this cup
They will be facing off for the second time in this cup since its beginning. They played at Bingu National Stadium in the semi-final of the previous year, a game that the Bullets won 4-0.
When the two teams faced off in the Castel Cup last year, regulation time finished in a 1-1 draw, but the Bullets advanced on penalties.
Coaches’ voice
Pasuwa says it is surprising to see his team dropping after they won all the trophies last year.
“Last year we reached a level where people thought we would lose everything, but we ended up winning everything. Yes, we are not doing well but we hope boys will respond this time around.
“It’s something that surprises me, a team that won everything but in four months you’re in this sad situation, I am trying to find out really what is the problem,” he said.
The derby will be Wanderers coach Meck Mwase, first since he took charge of the team four months ago.
“We have been trying to up our game in training and they seem ready to play come tomorrow. Derbies are very tricky, they can go either side, these are games where a player is motivated,” he said.
Players to watch
Wanderers:
Centre of focus will be the Cameroonian striker Sama Tanjong who is always in the first eleven. He scored a brace when his side hosted Chitipa United. Another player is attacker Gaddie Chirwa who is capable of taking on defenders and scoring goals.
Defender Stanley Sanudi, midfielders Isaac Kaliati, Blessings Singini and Felix Zulu are other key players to watch from Wanderers side.
Bullets:
Bullets will bank on Nigerian Babatunde Adepoju who has recovered his scoring boots. The team is ready to welcome former Wanderers striker Ephraim Kondowe from injury.
Midfielder Lloyd Banega Aaron, Chikumbutso Salima and defender Gomezgani Chirwa is another player to watch plus left back Sambani.
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