Nomads’ big boost

TNM Super League tail-enders Mighty Wanderers have a big boost ahead of today’s meeting with Epac at Balaka Stadium following the signing of Under-20 striker Khumbo Ng’ambi from Karonga United.

Subject to a final match fitness test, coach Gerald Phiri Senior might throw the boy, who has a goal in four Junior Flames’ outings, into action to partner either hardworking Diverson Chilemba or towering Innocent Dzimbiri in attack.

At the Lali Lubani Road, Ng’ambi has Under-20 company in promising striker Mapopa Kaunda who is used sparingly as he learns the ropes of playing for a highly demanding struggling giant.

Having struggled for goals, Ng’ambi’s signing might be the cure that the doctor ordered for the bottom-placed Nomads who have four points from nine games with six points docked.

Phiri is even more relieved that new defensive pillar Evance Likoswe is back from injury whereas utility players Kondwani Lufeyo and Tsanzo Dalio are also back from illness and suspension respectively.

“They have a new coach [Audlow Makonyola] and a handful of new players, so it will be a tricky match. The result against Chikwawa boosted our morale. We have problems with scoring, but our message to the team is that everyone has scoring responsibility,” Phiri explained.

With nine games played, Epac have impressed. They  seventh on 13 points and last Sunday’s 1-0 controversial beating of in-form Big Bullets has been their major upset of the season.

Striker Jaffali Chande punished the People’s Team while general secretary Roy ‘Abromo’ Mdechi vowed that Epac will once again prove that their upset of the Bullets was not a mere flash in the pan.

“Expect another win from Njenjete [Epac]. We know Nyerere [Wanderers] is a different side from Bullets, but we are prepared to collect maximum points. Our confidence in the whole team is high,” Mdechi insisted on Friday.

Phiri, who registered his first win in last Saturday’s 3-0 mauling of Chikwawa United, admitted that Epac might be more motivated by last week’s result in Lilongwe.

There is even more action at the Kamuzu Stadium today when the Bullets host struggling Azam Tigers. The Bullets are before today’s games placed third on 20 points from nine matches whereas  Tigers are 11th on eight points.