Pasuwa starts with a win
Nyasa Big Bullets new Zimbabwean coach Callisto Pasuwa yesterday made a winning start to his two and a half months stint after beating Dwangwa United 2-0 in a TNM Super League match at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
However, it was strikers trainer Heston Munthali who still appeared to be in control as he barked instructions from the sidelines as the former Zimbabwe Warriors coach followed the proceedings as they unfolded from the bench.
Following the win, Bullets have extended their lead at the summit of the 16-team top-flight league by four points after second-placed Silver Strikers were held to a goalless draw by Moyale Barracks in Lilongwe.
The People’s Team now has 55 points and need at least three wins from their remaining seven matches to seal the title they last won in 2016.
On the other hand, the Bankers are trailing Bullets by four points, but have played three more games.
Midfielder Chimango Kayira, who turned back the hands of time with a vintage display, struck the opener for Bullets in the 39th minute when he pounced on a miscleared ball by a Dwangwa defender from Emmanuel Zoya’s long throw-in to rifle the ball home.
Dwangwa appeared out of sorts with a display that had neither commitment nor purpose. They were repeatedly fragile at the back.
Burly forward Chiukepo Msowoya scored barely seconds into the second half with a right foot shot with laser-like precision from outside the box which squirmed past Dwangwa’s goalkeeper Charles Thom.
Chiukepo, who has taken his tally to 13 goals, limped off moments later with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Bright Munthali.
In a post-match interview, Munthali said there was a notable improvement in the style of play compared to their recent past matches.
“We played better today and there was good coordination and organisation,” he said.
Dwangwa team manager Dave Mwandira said his team played below par.
“We just did not turn up today. There was no fighting spirit and commitment from start to finish,” he said.
Dwangwa are 11th with 31 points from 25 matches.
