If their recent form is anything to go by, then Escom United go into this afternoon Presidential Cup semi-final showdown against Bullets as underdogs.
But their coach Charles Manda believes they have the fire-power to stop Bullets’ remarkable run and knock them out of the presidential showpiece.
Escom, who got rid of senior players at the beginning of the season as part of their rebuilding exercise, have been struggling this season.
“I believe we are getting there now. The young boys have started mastering the tricks of playing at such big level.
“We are underdogs and this is good for us as we will not play under pressure. We have dominated against Bullets for a long time and we have the ability to continue. We are struggling financially and we need to win the cup in order to boost our finances,” said Manda.
The centre of focus in this afternoon’s encounter will certainly be former Escom midfielders James Chilapondwa and Chimango Kaira and veteran forward Heston Munthali who are now with Bullets.
Escom were the first losing finalists of the competition in 2009 after going down to Mighty Wanderers on penalty shootouts.
For Bullets, it is a matter of ensuring that they reach the finals for the first time in four years as well as win a cup for the first time in a decade.
Coach Eddingtone Ng’onamo says it will be a mistake to underrate Escom United.
“They may be struggling, but the fact that they have reached this far speaks volumes of their abilities. If you look at the records, they have had an upper hand over Bullets.
“It is time to restore the lost glory and we are determined to win on Sunday,” said Ng’onamo.
Bullets have the best attacking formula with a three-man striking force of Diverson Mlozi, Munthali and player of the moment Gabadinho Mhango.
Gabadinho is one of the tournament’s leading scorers with six goals and looks set to increase his tally.
He has scored in each of Bullets’ games in the competition and Escom will need to keep a wary eye on him.
“Individual honours are not very important to me, but helping the team to reach the finals,” said Gabadinho.
Escom United will bank on midfielders Malumbo Gondwe and Bernard ‘Benzo’ Harawa to initiate productive moves for strikers Lawrence Milanzi and Chimwemwe Nyakamera while captain Spencer Chipantha will marshal the defence.
Experienced goalkeeper Charles Swini should also play a vital role in stopping Bullets.
