Peter Mponda returned to face the media on Thursday for his pre-match press conference, previewing our upcoming TNM Super League clash with Kamuzu Barracks at Kamuzu Stadium this Saturday afternoon.
The FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach spoke about the team’s preparations for the weekend encounter, shared his thoughts on the opposition, and discussed his recent tactical approaches, title aspirations, and the invaluable support from home fans.
Below is everything Mponda said during the media briefing…
On the team’s preparations
Preparations are going well. We are happy with the way things are turning up; the players are working hard. Yes, we won against Chitipa [United last Sunday], it’s a different game [on Saturday]. We were complaining about the performance, [and] we are trying to improve the performance of the team, but after playing a couple of games and winning, the confidence is slowly coming up, we are happy the way things are going.
On facing a side that has always been a tough opponent
They put up a good show against Creck [on Wednesday], they fought [despite collecting just a point]. But they are coming to Kamuzu Stadium, we have been dominating teams in terms of performance. We feel that we are at home, we have to go there and dictate the rhythm of the game. Yes, Kamuzu Barracks have been causing problems but this is a different game and the guys are really looking forward to this match.
On the “very disappointing performance” in the previous game against Chitipa United
We can not say that it was complacency because the players know that they haven’t won anything, so there’s no way they can start relaxing. I will say that it’s one of those days, sometimes players have off days, but the good thing is on our off day we managed to create a lot of chances, we managed to win a game which is a plus. We sat down and analyzed where we went wrong; we don’t want to start giving excuses, but we are saying that maybe because of the traveling of the players [who were with the national team] also affected the team, but like as I said, we don’t want to give excuses, we say that we didn’t play well, we accept, start preparing and we want a good performance and a good result.
On how the fans are coming out to support the team at home
Yes, we are happy with how the fans are turning out to support us. We could even see during that game against Chitipa that things were not going our way but the fans kept going, they kept supporting us, that factor is appreciated to us as a technical team and to the players. We feel that we are moving forward together, not only when things are going well, but yes, their support is appreciated.
On deployment of four midfielders in the two games against Dedza and Chitipa
It depends on the opposition we are facing and how we want to approach the game. Even the last game, we also changed midway the game; we started with four (midfielders) then we changed to a front-three, so it always depends on who we are playing and what we want from the game.
On the pressure from rivals as Mighty Wanderers come second in the standings
As of now, we are looking at ourselves. It’s in our hands, trying to control our performance, the results [and] we don’t mind who’s behind us, the most important thing we want is just to mind our business and play our games.
On injuries and Peter Banda’s recovery and anticipated return
Everyone wants to see Peter Banda back in action, but we don’t want to rush him because he can go back to the injury. He had a long-term injury and he needs time to be fully fit. His progress is encouraging as he has started doing light training. On other players, I am happy to say we have a very healthy squad and it is only Peter and Crispin Mapemba who are not available for this match.
On Bullets topping the standings and being tipped as league favorites
Silver Strikers are hot favourites for the championship. They won the league [last season], their team is intact and they even added some good players, whereas Bob Mpinganjira [Mighty Wanderers coach] I’d say comes second; he’s also got an intact team, he was there [last season], the players are used to his way of working, whereas here most of the players left [before the start of the season], a new coach, players have to adjust to the way we want them to play, so those two I’d say that they’re the favourites.
On his roles as Bullets head coach and assistant coach for Malawi
I am fully contracted to Bullets and I am very pleased with everything at this club. At times, I feel that my time is divided, but my focus is with Bullets.
