The centre of focus this afternoon when Azam Tigers host Be Forward Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium, Blantyre in a TNM Super League encounter will obviously be Nomads’ new signings—Stanely Sanudi, Isaac Kaliati and Malumbo Gondwe—who will be up against their former team.
They are not the only ones though, Tigers coach Gerald Phiri will also be facing his former team after a frustrating stint at Lali Lubani Road last season that forced him to throw in the towel as the going got tough.
The bond between the two teams does not end there as Kau-Kau’s board chair Sydney Chikoti and technical director Robin Alufandika for a long time,served in the Nomads’ executive committee and technical panel respectively.
Three other Nomads players—Kondwani Lufeyo, Kondwani Kumwenda and Mike Kaziputa—also turned out for Tigers before they found a new lease of life at Lali Lubani Road. Nomads current team manager Stevie Madeira was also with Tigers last season.
Striker Diverson Chilemba who was discarded by the Nomads last season, seems to have found his feet at Tigers.
Kaliati, who is fondly called ‘Tcheya’ by his peers and fans alike, said it will be interesting to face their former team.
“Obviously, we will be the focal point because the match comes just a few weeks after completing our move to Wanderers.
“Personally, I am just looking forward to the game and giving out my all,” said Kaliati.
Phiri said there is always an element of pressure playing against one’s former team.
“There is always that attitude to impress, but it is no big deal. I have no grudges against Wanderers.
“They have assembled a very good team and they have a new coach and I think it will be a very tough game for us, but nonetheless, we are ready,” said Phiri.
The Nomads started the new season on an impressive not, beating Epac FC 3-1 last weekend while Tigers had a trip of mixed fortunes to the Central Region where they beat Airborne Rangers 2-1 before going down 1-0 to Mafco.
Apart from Chilemba, Tigers’ have key men in experienced winger Emmanuel Chipatala, Bonda Mpinganjira and Lawrence Milanzi.
On the other hand, the Nomads have depth in quality in the likes of Muhammad Sulumba, Jimmy Zakazaka, Luka Milanzi, Francis Mulimbika and Rafiq Mussa.
At Nankhaka in Lilongwe, Blue Eagles face leaders Moyale; at Chitowe in Dwangwa, Mafco date Silver Strikers while in Dedza it will be the clash of the rookies when Dedza Young Soccer entertain Mzuni. This will be Mzuni’s first match in their return to top-flight football. n
