* Bullets are 4th on the log table with two wins and two draws with eight points
* While Wanderers are third with the same number of points but they are separated by goal difference
By Tione Andsen, MANA
Its the 75th Blantyre Derby between traditional arch rivals, TNM Super League 2023 champions Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers this afternoon at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre — which is expected to meet the desired performance the two teams have been displaying in the past encounters.
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Bullets are 4th on the log table with two wins and two draws with eight points while Wanderers are third with the same number of points but they are separated by goal difference.
The battle for top spot in the 2024 TNM Super League 2024 remains cardinal for both teams owing to the fact that the price money for the champion has been increased to K100 million from K40 million.
Bullets have dominated the league for the past six years and are aiming to register the seventh one at the expense of their rivals, Wanderers who once were crowned champions in 2017.
Wanderers coach, Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan
This will be the maiden encounter for Wanderers coach, Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan as he has just returned to Malawi football after a long spell after coaching the two teams previously.
Although his return was spoiled with a 1-1 draw against Kamuzu Barracks their opening campaign of the title, the Nomads managed to pick up and won two games before they were held to a goalless draw against Bangwe All Stars.
Bullets mentor, Kalisto Pasuwa has a feel of the Blantyre derby with intense heat it brings on the table and is expected use his available arsenals in order to edge his rival, Ramadhan — but 90 minutes will tell and a better team will carry the day.
Kalisto Pasuwa
Wanderers defence need to be on watch out to their former striker now with Bullets, Ephraim Kondowe as he is proving to be a goal provider for the people’s team this season.
The wing defence need to patronize the movements of Patrick Mwaungulu and Lanjesi Nkhoma if they are to cut the supply line upfront.
However, the Nomads will depend on Christopher Kumwembe’s ability to win aerial balls against the pairing of Bullets central defence of Collins Mujuru and Clyde Senaj.
If the Wanderers coach panel will include last year’s top goal scorer. Clement Nyondo on the starting line, they will add fire power upfront in order to give bullets defence tough time.
They are expected to attack through Wisdom Mpinganjira, Gaddie Chirwa and Isaac Kaliati from the midfield while Bullets midfield marshalled by Aaron Lloyd will have clearly monitor their moves.
Last year’s derby produced no winner as it all ended in 0-0 and 1-1 draws and both rounds of the season in which Wanderers were dominating play.
Both teams will be playing catch up game in order to reach 11 points to equal current league leaders, Silver Strikers, who are facing log anchors, Baka City in Karonga and the games if they win will consolidate their lead on top.
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“We are expecting a high quality derby and should be more entertaining,” said Bangwe-based football follower, Vincent Jumbe. “Supporters need to come in their numbers to watch the game.
“The battle for points is what the two teams are hoping for, he said, adding that with good officiation, the derby will certainly be entertaining.
Weather update
And indeed the game is all there for Wanderers to rein in the defending champions, who won the title last year for the 5th consecutive season — their 17th since the top flight league was formed in 1986.
Last season, they won a historic quadruple — the TNM Super League, FDH Bank Cup, Castel Challenge Cup, the Airtel Top 8 as well as the season opener, the FAM NBS Bank Charity Shield 2023.
They have also won this year’s FAM NBS Charity Shield after beating Silver Strikers through post-match penalties.
