FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will take on Mighty Tigers in the Castel Challenge Cup quarterfinal this Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium. With a place in the semifinals at stake, the team is focused and ready to reach the next stage.
Interim head coach Gilbert Chirwa met the press to discuss the team’s preparations, squad updates, and expectations ahead of the knockout tie. He also touched on the role of senior players, the recent promotion of youngsters from the Reserves, and the impact of key departures.
Below is Chirwa’s full interview ahead of the tie.
On how preparations are going for the Saturday clash
“So far so good. The players are looking okay, and the preparations have been going on very well. We know for sure that we are meeting a good team even though they got relegated from the top-flight league. This is a cup game. It is very tricky, and that’s why we told the boys to take this game seriously. We believe it will be a tough game, but we are ready for it.”
On what to expect from the opponents
“I think they will not change much from the way they played in Chiwembe [in the league last month]. But we are very ready for them, and I think the boys are ready too. Cup games are always tough, but we believe we will have a good game.”
On whether switching from Mpira Stadium to Kamuzu Stadium will affect the team
“Maybe yes, but let me comment on the last game we played against Tigers in the league. We created lots of chances in that game, but we were not clinical enough in the final third. I believe it’s the same team, but this time we have to score from the chances we create, and I believe we will.”
On feeling pressure from the recently advertised head coach vacancy
“I don’t have pressure because I was told from the onset that I am a caretaker coach. Pressure in football is inevitable, but I have no pressure at all [and] we are focusing on the game.”
On the importance of the comeback win over Ndirande Stars
“When they scored in the first half, we saw some weaknesses in our team. We made some changes by substituting four players, and the ones who came in brought life to the team. We managed to win 3-1, and that was a confidence booster for the boys.”
On coping with the departures of Babatunde Adepoju and Chikumbutso Salima
“These two players won’t be here anymore. Even in the games against Songwe Border United and Ndirande Stars, they were not available. We can’t cry over their absence. We will use the players who are available, and we believe they will deliver for us.”
On the players promoted from the Reserves
“You assess players as they play in their league, and then you promote the best amongst them. We saw that they are good, and that’s why we promoted them. When promoting players, you go for those who are working hard.”
On unlocking a low-block Tigers side
“This is a different game. Whether they beat Civil Service United or forced us to a draw in the league, this game will be totally different. I believe the boys are ready and they will play to win.”
On squad updates
“Peter Banda got injured against Songwe Border United and had to be substituted. Now he is back. Blessings Mpokera’s return at the back is very timely and will strengthen our defence. Lameck Gamphani is still working on his fitness and needs time, but it’s a boost for us that all these players are back in training. The only injuries we have are the old ones [with Chrispin Mapemba and Aaron Chilipa]. Besides them, the entire squad is fit and available. There are no fresh injuries, which is very positive for us ahead of this important game.”
On the leadership role of senior players at this stage of the competition
“The senior players are there to give guidance to the youngsters from time to time, helping them pull up their socks so we can play our game to the best of our ability.”
On what’s motivating the players to win the Castel Challenge Cup again after winning it in 2023
“That’s why we prepare, talk about defending, attacking, and everything. I believe the players are motivated to win it again, and we have the squad to do the job. We don’t have any doubts about our team.”
