Nomads hope to end six-year winless run against BB

It’s Yasin up against Yasin as Be Forward Wanderers host Nyasa Big Bullets in the latest episode of the Blantyre derby—the most sought after fixture on the domestic scene.

The razzmatazz that gripped the soccer fraternity in the countdown to the TNM Super League showdown, reaches fever-pitch at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

For six years, the Nomads have not beaten the People’s Team in the TNM Super League. The last time they came out triumphant was in July 2012 with a 2-1 scoreline. Out of their 11 previous contests, Bullets have won eight while the rest have ended in draws.

And this afternoon, the Lali Lubani Road outfit will be hoping to exorcise the ghost that has seen them play second fiddle to their rivals.

Reacting to the statistics, Wanderers coach Yasin Osman said: “That’s interesting, it should give us food for thought and motivation that it is time to stop them in their tracks.”

Six years is quite a lengthy period such that if it were a child born that time, he or she would probably be in primary school.

There is a feeling though within the Nomads camp that this could be their golden moment to break the jinx.

Osman believes this could be the turning point and that there won’t be that meek surrender as has been the case in the past six years.

Commenting on their preparations, the Nomads gaffer said: “Preparations are going on smoothly just like any other game, but for this one, obviously we have to give it more attention because it is the big one.

“So, the preparations are more intense and they include the psychological part.”

Nomads experienced midfielder Joseph Kamwendo said they are set for the battle.

“Six years is quite a long time for us not to have beaten our rivals and we need to turn it around. We know it won’t be easy [this afternoon] just like has been the case in the previous derbys, but we will dig deep so that we chalk a result for the sake of the Nomads family and I believe we are ready to do that,” he said.

On the other hand, Bullets coach Rogers Yasin said while their good run against the Nomads is a source of inspiration, they will not read too much into the statistics.

“Definitely that is a motivating factor but things change and the fact that they have not beaten us for such a lengthy period does not mean that we are assured of coming out unscathed, therefore, we should guard against complacency.

“This is a different game altogether and there is always pride at stake whenever the two teams meet and what I can say is that the team that comes up with a good strategy is tipped to carry the day, but we are prepared,” he said.

Bullets captain John ‘Kintu’ Lanjesi predicted a tough encounter.

“I can foresee a tough match because both teams have won their two matches and when the derby comes up, past performances count less because both teams give out their all” he said.

The Nomads will take to the pitch without their want-away ‘sniper’ Jaffalie Chande who has been  a thorn in the fresh whenever they played Bullets last season and his absence comes as a sigh of relief to the People’s Team. They will also be without injured defender Harry Nyirenda.

Nevertheless, they are tipped to hand their new-signing and former Mozambique-based forward Zicco Mkanda his debut. He is expected to partner their marksman Peter Wadabwa while industrious attacker Felix Zulu could play behind them with Kamwendo and Isaac ‘Tcheya’ Kaliati orchestrating play through the flanks.

The People’s Team has also boosted their squad by roping in midfielder Precious Phiri and forwards Righteous Banda and Patrick Phiri, but Banda is a doubtful starter due to the injury he suffered in their match against Kamuzu Barracks (KB).

But they will be buoyed by the return of industrious midfielder Mike Mkwate and defender Miracle Gabeya from injuries. Bullets will also look up to in-form Bright Munthali, burly forward Chiukepo Msowoya and Fischer Kondowe.