Blantyre derby set for Kasungu

Bitter rivals Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers have officially committed to play each other in a charity match  at Kasungu Stadium after weeks of Super League title run-in that might have left the players exhausted.

The organisers, Central Region Football Association (CRFA), confirmed yesterday that the match will be played this Saturday.

The association, according to its vice-general secretary Antonio Manda, is targeting to raise K20 million for families of Make Sure Pirates FC players and officials, who died following a road accident in November this year.

The accident happened along the Mchinji Road as the team was on its way to play a match against St Gabriel Medicals.

“We want to support the victims’ families because those who died were, most assuredly, contributing to their families’ welfare. This is why we have organised this match,” Manda said.

Bullets and Wanderers, who were neck to neck in the 2019 TNM Super League title race, battled until the final day of the season last Sunday.

Bullets won the title with a point more than their rivals after beating TN Stars of Kasungu 2-0 on the day. The Nomads defeated Mlatho 3-0 but it was not enough to upstage their rivals.

Manda said they expect the teams to feature their best squads comprising the players that had a big stake in the title contest.

He said: “People will pay money to watch this game and we want them to be entertained to the maximum. So, these clubs are bringing their best squads for 2019 season.”

For the match to be staged, CRFA has covered transport, accommodation, appearance fees and training allowances for teams.

“The teams requested us to meet all that and we have obliged,” Manda asserted.

In a separate interview, Bullets assistant coach Peter Mponda said they overlooked the players fatigue and committed to the match because it is a good cause.

“This is a charity game.  As Bullets, the biggest team in the country, we are duty bound to do this,” he said.

Mponda said they expect a good fight from the Nomads as the match comes after their title shortcomings.

“We are playing our neighbours. They are disappointed with the way they have finished the season. They want to give something to their supporters,” he said.

Wanderers team manager Victor Maunde said his team is geared up for the match.

“We accepted to play the match despite having a hectic season because we are part of the football family and we couldn’t ignore the predicament which the CRFA faced last season,” he said.