Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers claim that their clash this afternoon in a fundraiser for injured Bullets goalkeeper Vincent Gona at Kamuzu Stadium proves they are determined to end their primitive rivalry.
Bullets approached Nomads for the friendly match to raise at least K3.1 million for Gona—who suffered a hamstring injury 10 months ago—to undergo a surgery at Beit Cure International Hospital in Blantyre.
Rivalry between the two Super League giants has always been characterised by physical confrontation and verbal tirades.
Nevertheless, Bullets technical director Billy Tewesa and Wanderers general secretary Mike Butao said they want to use their popularity to promote unity among Malawians and help their teams grow, financially.
“Moreover, both teams have big corporate sponsors, whose images have to be replenished by engaging in charitable activities and avoiding violent behaviour. This is now time for our rivalry to mature,” said Tewesa.
On his part, Butao said elsewhere football, or sports in general, has become a vibrant force for income generation and solving social ills such as conflicts and hunger.
However, both Tewesa and Butao said their rivalry will continue on the pitch because none of them would like to look inferior to the other.
The two teams will be without a number of their key players who are with national team in Namibia for the Cosafa Castle Cup.
Bullets will be without goalkeeper Ernest Kakhobwe, defenders Pilirani Zonda, Miracle Gabeya, John Lanjesi and Yamikani Fodya; midfielder Dalisto Sailesi and strikers Chiukepo Msowoya and Muhammad Sulumba. The Nomads will be without defenders Stanley Sanudi and Francis Mlimbika, midfielders Isaac Kaliyati and Rafique Namwera and striker Peter Wadabwa.
But both teams insisted that despite the absence of their key players, it will be business as usual as pride is always at stake whenever they clash.
Derby encounters between Bullets and Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium always attract large crowds that result in gross revenue of between K10 million and K30 million.
This afternoon’s match will cost K1 000 for open stands, K1 500 for MBC terraces, K2 000 for covered stands and K2 500 for VIP stands. n
