Tension grips relegation-threatened teams
Four bottom-placed TNM Super League teams namely Fisd Wizards, Epac, Airborne Rangers and Dedza Young Soccer get into must-win games this weekend to avoid relegation.
Epac, who are on 14th place with 23 points from 24 games, need to beat Moyale Barracks at Mzuzu Stadium this afternoon because any slip up in their remaining four games will end their sojourn in the elite league.
On the other hand, 13th placed Airborne Rangers, who have 25 points from 25 matches, must outclass fellow soldiers Red Lions at Zomba Community Centre ground if they are to avoid being one of the two teams that will be demoted.
On Sunday, Fisd Wizards, who anchor the log-table with 21 points from 24 games, need to dismantle Azam Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre while Dedza have to make good use of home ground advantage to beat Be Forward Wanderers if they are to safety as they stand 12th position and just three points above relegation.
Wizards technical director Peter Mponda, whose survival campaign got a boost after winning their game against Dedza 3-0 last weekend, said they are doing everything possible to earn a second consecutive win.
“Our match this Sunday is a must-win game. It is a very crucial game because if we win it will give us more confidence of working even harder to avoiding relegation. To say the truth, we are desperate for survival and we are taking this Sunday’s game as a cup final,” said Mponda.
Epac vice-general secretary Chiyamiko Lita, whose side will also face Mzuni FC at Mzuzu Stadium tomorrow, said they have left no stone unturned in their bid to remain in the competition while Dedza coach Milias Jegwe Pofera said they will fight like wounded buffaloes to keep their survival hopes alive.
Nevertheless, Rangers coach Stereo Gondwe has turned to God for a miracle against their fellow soldiers.
“We have put everything in the hands of God as we do not know what He has planned for us tomorrow. However, we are very hopeful that He will sail us through the troubled waters so as to survive the chop,” Gondwe said. n
