Nomads, Masters tie set to evoke title memories

There were scenes so lovely which could have only been fit for the angels in their flight as Be Forward Wanderers sealed last season’s TNM Super League title with a 3-1 win over Masters Security at Balaka Stadium on Christmas Eve.

And, as the Nomads’ return to Balaka this afternoon to face Masters in their second 2018 season fixture, it is likely to evoke memories of the sights and sounds broke the jinx to win the title after 11 years.of last season when they

The Lali Lubani Road outfit goes into today’s fixture buoyed by their 2-1 win over Silver Strikers in their opening game last weekend.

Statistically, the scales also appear to swing in Wanderers favour having won both last season’s games against Masters.

However, their ever cautious gaffer Yasin ‘Titch’ Osman chose to be a model of modesty in an interview on Thursday, dismissing suggestions that the champions are favourites.

“Of course, that could be the perception, but every game has to be taken in its own merit because such are the dymamics of football that even though we beat them [Masters] back-to-back, it is no guarantee that we will win again.

“Things are bound to change and we need to exercise a lot of caution,” he said.

The seasoned coach also said being the defending champions, every team will be coming hard on them.

“So, it’s going to be really tough for us this season and as such we need to be mentally strong and on our toes all the time.”

The Nomads never lost a game at Balaka Stadium last season which they turned into their fortress and only drew with Civil Sporting Club.

But his Masters counterpart Abbas Makawa—whose side drew their opening fixture against Civil last weekend—said they are looking forward to turning around the fortunes.

“Unlike last weekend when we only trained for a day because the players were on strike, this time around we have no excuse, and our preparations have gone on well.

“They beat us twice last season, but in football it doesn’t always go according to script,” he said.

Masters have boosted their squad by roping in a number of new players, among them, defender Kondwani Lufeyo and Rafiq Mussa whom they signed on loan from Wanderers. They also have Maneno Nyoni and Telekeleni ‘Anzeru’ Joseph from Nyasa Big Bullets. Their other key players include Juma Yatina, Eneya Banda and captain Tsanzo Daliyo.

The Nomads have class in depth in the likes of Peter Wadabwa—who scored a brace against Silver—Joseph Kamwendo, Esau Kanyenda, Dan Kumwenda, Alfred Manyozo Jnr, Rafiq Namwera and Isaac ‘Tcheya’ Kaliati.

In another potentially exciting fixture this afternoon, returnees Nchalo United and Karonga United take to Kalulu Stadium pitch in Nchalo.

Nchalo made an impressive start by

possible six in their opening games last weekend. They beat Mzuzu University (Mzuni) FC 1-0 and held Moyale to a one-all draw in Mzuzu while Karonga played out a goalless draw against Azam Tigers.collecting four points out of a

However, Nchalo were docked three points as part of a punishment for their involvement in a match-fixing case.

Despite having home ground advantage, Nchalo coach Charles Manda said they expect a tough match.

“It does not really give us an edge bacause last weekend no team won at home and being a contest between ‘newcomers’, we expect a tough match, but we are ready for them,” he said.

On his part, his Karonga counterpart Christopher Nyambose said they are wary of Nchalo’s satisfactory start to the season.

“But we are prepared for them and that is why we left a bit earlier [on Thursday] so that the players should have time to rest and acclimatise to the weather,” he said.

In other matches, Pace-setters Blue Eagles who lead the table on goal difference following their 4-1 win over rookies TN Stars, host rejuvenated Civil Sporting Club at Nankhaka in Lilongwe.

Last season, Civil finished fourth just a place above the cops. Azam Tigers host Moyale Barracks at Mulanje Park. n