Even with as many as 12 games to go, the odds appear to swing in Big Bullets’ favour to retain the TNM Super League title.
Top of the table with a nine-point cushion and a remarkable run that has seen them maintain their unbeaten run in 16 games, Bullets appear to have the destiny of the league championship in their hands
The People’s Team on Sunday opened a yawning nine-point gap at the summit of the flagship league after beating Red Lions 4-2 and it will take something special to stop their spectacular cruise.
Azam Tigers and Be Forward Wanderers’ continued slump further helps Bullets’ cause.
When you want to be champions, you make the best of home matches and that is what Bullets have done and that they have only dropped 10 points in this campaign so far, demonstrates their intent and hunger.
“That might as well be the case in the sense that Bullets have a history of knowing when to win when it matters most.
“They can be efficient when manoeuvring tight corners when it comes to securing long haul success in championship title battles. When you look at the track record of the chasing pack, there is this tendency of being inconsistent as they approach the final throes of the championship race. They stumble needlessly as Bullets grind out results,” said soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda.
He said unless someone stops them fast, Bullets are slowly, but firmly becoming favourites to win the title.
Yamikani Fodya, who has arguably been the most consistent performer in the People’s Team, also said if they could win three or four more games, then they could reach the promised land.
“If we can maintain the current rhythm and avoid dropping points, then we will retain the league without necessarily engaging an extra gear.
“But it will not be easy because every team will now be coming hard on us and we’ll have to exercise mental strength and fight to the very end. For now, it looks rosy and I guess our secret weapon has been to get results both at home and away; that has given us an edge,” said Fodya.
He, however, acknowledged that there is still some way to go.
“There are still some 12 games to play and anything could happen, but in all fairness I could say it is in our hands.”
However, Blue Eagles team manager Gabriel Chirwa, whose team is trailing Bullets on second position, said it is far too early to tip the scales in Bullets’ favour.
“They appear to be in the comfort zone, but the race is still on and anything can happen. Let’s wait and see,” he said.
There were fears that fatigue would take its toll on the players following their failure to rest during off-season as a result of the CAF Champions League campaign, but they have swiftly contained such an imminent situation by signing more players such as Chikondi Likwemba, Sankhani Nyirenda, coupled with the return of McFarlen Ngwira and Diverson Mlozi from loan spells elsewhere.
“That eases the pressure on players who did not have a breather as the coaching panel will have a chance to rest them when need be,” said Bullets’ vice-general secretary Kelvin Moyo.
