Ndawa faces litmus test

After months of inactivity Blantyre and Lilongwe soccer fans will this weekend have a chance of sampling what to expect in the 2016 season when TNM Super League champions host Zimbabwe giants Dynamos FC in two international matches.

The two matches are part of Bullets’ Nyasa Manufacturing Company sponsorship launch.

There could be no better way to launch the sponsorship than to showcase the People’s Team recently acquired arsenal in the games against the Zimbabwe giants.

The party starts this afternoon at Kamuzu Stadium as the national champions take on the Zimbabweans popularly known as the Dembare or Glamour Boys.

Newly appointed coach Franco Ndawa has promised a fruitful 2016 season and it starts this afternoon.

“It’s an honour to coach Bullets. I can only reward the supporters with good results starting with the Dynamos game,” Ndawa said during the week.

He has vast experience in the Super League which he has to use in his main task of making sure he utilises the vast talent Bullets executive has assembled.

In goals, he will feature Owen Chaima, Chimwemwe Kumkwawa or Stain Kalande.

But at the back, he has to pick three from Bashir Maunde, George Nyirenda, Sankhani Mkandawire, Yamikani Fodya, Emmanuel Zoya, Miracle Gabeya, John Lanjesi, Ian Chinyama and Chikumbutso Kanyenda-not an easy task if Bullets plays the 3-5-2 formation.

Eneya Banda, Dalitso Sailesi, Chikondi Likwemba, Henry Kabichi, Jelesi Lufeyo, Amadu Makawa, Fischer Kondowe, Macfallen Ngwira and Davie N’gambi are battling for midfield positions.

Upfront seven strikers are at Ndawa’s disposal-Jafalie Chande, Niyikiza Emable, Muhammad Sulumba, Divason Mlozi, Mussa Manyenje, Osman Balala(Messi) and Chiukepo Msowoya.

How the coach approaches this match, will spell out if he is up to the job at the country’s most popular outfit.

But for Bullets diehards it’s another day to feast high class soccer during a sponsorship celebration that could only be spoiled if the visitors Dynamos pull a fast one on the hosts.

The Zimbabwe side has brought a full-strength squad including George Chigova, Partson Jaure, Steohen Alimenda, Augustine Mbara, Oscar Machapa, Masimba Mambare, Rodreck Mutuma, Takesure Chinyama, Richard Kawondera and Tawanda Muparati.

Though Nigerian trialist Duru Ikenna Mercy has not made the trip due to visa problems, Portuguese striker Carlos is with the team.

Dynamos team manager Richard Munetsi Chihoro already warned Bullets that they are not in the country for sightseeing.

“We are not coming to Malawi as tourists, but a strong squad that is determined to save our good reputation,” he said.