Tough test for Stain Chirwa
Silver Strikers caretaker coach Stain Chirwa comes under a stern test to prove that he is the man to replace suspended Franco Ndawa when they face Big Bullets in Blantyre tomorrow (Saturday).
The match at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre will be his second league assignment since taking charge from Ndawa two months ago.
His first match was a 3-0 thrashing of rookies Mponela United a fortnight ago in Lilongwe.
Chirwa, however, will be missing the services of inspirational captain Lucky Malata in defence, who is suspended following a red card he got during the Mponela United match.
However, Chirwa said his team is on track to recovery and believes with good officiation and 100 percent commitment from the players, Bullets will be a walkover.
“We are going to Blantyre with a desire to win. As reigning champions of the TNM Super League, we have an obligation to defend the title. If we are to defend, we need to be winning big games such this one. The Mponela game was just a stepping stone and this is the real test for us,” said Chirwa who is being assisted by Francis Songo.
Chirwa might also be without two key defenders Bernard Namangwiyo and Wonderful Germany who as ofFriday were yet to be declared fit for the match by team doctors.
“I am hoping for the best, but if it happens that they won’t be fit for the match, we have able players to fill their places. We are leaving nothing to chance as Bullets are a very good side and will have the advantage of their home fans,” he said.
Chirwa is making a return to the club after being fired unceremoniously in 2011 when he served as assistant coach to Lovemore Fazili.
“Of course, the pressure is there to deliver, but we do not let it affect our focus and that is to put the players in a positive frame of mind for the game on Sunday,” he said.
Bullets coach Eddington Ng’onamo said the match will be very difficult because the teams know each other well having met frequently recently.
“We have played Silver more than five times this year. We met them in the league, Presidential Cup, Orange Partners Cup and in another Charity match. There is so much familiarity as we know each other too well. All the same, we are ready for them though it will be tough,” said Ng’onamo.
The two teams will also face each other next week Saturday at Civo Stadium in the Luso TV Clash of the Giants Sports Bonanza where K1 million will be at stake.
