Nyasa Big Bullets and Moyale Barracks will be on different missions when they take to the Kamuzu Stadium turf this afternoon in a TNM Super League encounter.
While the People’s Team will be out to register its first home win, on the other hand, the Mzuzu-based soldiers are relishing their first victory in the top flight-this season.
The TNM Super League champions, who are chasing their 15th title and a third on the trot, have so far registered two draws at home against Blue Eagles (0-0) and Red Lions (3-3).
They have won one and lost once as well. They are on unenviable eighth position with five points from four matches.
Bullets coach Callisto Pasuwa has said it is important that they should now start winning home matches.
“We started slowly, it happens in this game and we need to improve for us to start collecting points.
“When playing against Bullets, other teams put in extra effort. So, we have told the players that we need to fight hard. Having said that, the boys look sharp and we are ready” he said.
However, Bullets have been dealt a fresh blow as they will be without two key players—reigning Player of the Season Peter Banda and defender Ben Manyozo—who are nursing injuries.
The good news though, is that their captain John Lanjesi could get a run after being declared fit, having been out for over a year due to a recurring knee injury.
“He could play briefly as we are being cautious,” said the Zimbabwean mentor.
Bullets will look up to Chimwemwe Idana in midfield and Hassan Kajoke and Zicco Mkanda upfront.
Moyale coach Collins Nkuna yesterday said they are not moved with Bullets’ seven-year unbeaten home run and will be out to register their first win.
The Kaning’ina Lions are second from the bottom in the 16-team league with a point from three games.
“We have worked on our shortfalls and we are looking at nothing short of a win although it is always a challenge playing away,” he said.
Moyale have roped in a number of youngsters, but they still have experienced arsenal in the likes of Lloyd Njaliwa and Gastin Simkonda.
Last season, Bullets enjoyed a double over the soldiers, winning the first round 1-0 at home and 2-0 away.
Meanwhile, league leaders Red Lions, who have 11 points from five games, travel to Karonga for a tricky fixture against Karonga United.
The Zomba-based soldiers’ coach Mike Kumanga said they want to continue with their remarkable run.
“Karonga are unpredictable and they are also tough when playing at home. We need to exercise caution,” said the former Lions winger whose side will bank its hopes on the league’s leading scorer Royal Bokosi.
Second-placed Ntopwa FC, who trail the leaders by two points, host Mafco FC at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre and their technical director Isaac ‘Jomo’ Osman said they are taking each game as it comes.
“We don’t want to put our boys under unnecessary pressure. We will take the game to Mafco and see what comes up,” said the Amagheto Kids owner.
Third-placed Silver Strikers, who have seven points from four games, travel to Mzuzu to take on Mzuzu Warriors at Mzuzu Stadium as they eye their third successive win.
