FCB Nyasa Big Bullets caretaker coach Heston Munthali spoke to the media on Friday ahead of Sunday’s FDH Bank Premiership clash against Moyale Barracks.
Munthali discussed the opportunity to lead The People’s Team, the expectations that come with the role, adapting to Joyce Chitsulo Stadium, the latest squad news and much more.
Below is the full transcript of the press conference.
First of all, congratulations on leading the team for our home match against Moyale Barracks on Sunday. How are you feeling?
Good morning. I am excited about the opportunity to lead the team for this game.
I know it is not an easy task because this is a big club with high expectations, but I have embraced the challenge. I am looking forward to working with the players and doing everything possible to ensure we get the result we want.
As you have already mentioned, this is a role that comes with pressure and expectations. How are you managing that, and what are you expecting from the players on Sunday?
We know people expect a lot from this team, and rightly so because Bullets is a club that is always expected to win.
We are coming from a draw against Blue Eagles and now we have another important game against Moyale Barracks at home. We have spoken to the players about what is required, and the response in training has been very positive.
The players have worked hard throughout the week and understand the importance of this match. We know that nothing comes without hard work, but based on what I have seen in training, I believe we are ready.
Looking at the statistics, we have struggled to score goals at Joyce Chitsulo Stadium, with our only goal coming through an own goal. What have you worked on to improve that ahead of Sunday’s game?
That is true. We have not scored as many goals as we would have liked at Joyce Chitulo Stadium.
However, we have been working hard on our finishing and attacking coordination during training. The players have responded very well to the sessions and shown a positive attitude throughout the week.
We have encouraged them to be more confident in front of goal because you cannot score without taking shots. It is something we have focused on, and we are hopeful that the work we have done will be reflected in the match.
With the changes in the technical team, do you see this as an opportunity to put your own stamp on the side, or is it about maintaining continuity?
Whenever you are given an opportunity like this, people expect a lot from you.
As a coach, I have accepted the challenge and I want to work with the players to improve the areas where we feel we can do better.
The response from the boys has been very good and that gives me confidence. I believe we can put in a strong performance.
Where do you think this game will be won, considering supporters are expecting nothing less than three points?
We know how Moyale Barracks play and we have prepared for that throughout the week.
The boys understand what is expected of them and they have responded very well in training.
We have done our part in preparing the team. The rest will be decided on the pitch.
Historically, Bullets have enjoyed a strong record against Moyale Barracks, but the circumstances are different now with matches being played away from Kamuzu Stadium. Do you feel the players have adapted to Joyce Chitsulo Stadium?
Playing at Joyce Chitsulo Stadium has presented a different challenge, mainly because of the nature of the pitch.
We had become accustomed to playing at Kamuzu Stadium, but the current situation means we have had to adapt. The good thing is that we have already played matches there and have also spent time training at the venue.
Against Mafco, we created a number of chances but did not take enough of them. Even so, I believe the players are becoming more comfortable with the conditions.
Moyale may also be familiar with this type of surface, but we have the advantage of having trained and played there regularly in recent weeks. I believe the players are adapting well and will be ready for the challenge.
Do you have any injury concerns ahead of this match?
Yes, we have injury concerns.
The latest ones are Emmanuel Kaunga and Dastan Banda, and they will not be available on Sunday.
Frank Willard and Edward Thengo have started light training, but they will not be available for selection either.
The rest of the players who have been on the sidelines are still unavailable.
Maxwell Phodo is back after suspension. How much of a boost is that for the team?
Phodo is a big player and his return is a major boost for the team.
His comeback lifts the morale of the squad because of the experience and quality he brings.
We hope that if he is selected, he will perform like the big player that he is.
Looking at the league table, Bullets are currently sixth. Do you feel the recent performances deserved more points than the team has collected?
Yes, but sometimes football is like that. You can play well and still not get the result you want.
The important thing is that we have taken a lot of positives from those matches. We have discussed them with the players and worked on the areas where we need to improve.
We want to collect maximum points and move up the table, but we are not putting ourselves under pressure. We want the players to remain confident and play the way we have prepared them in training.
Bullets are always expected to compete for trophies. How important is it to return to winning ways this weekend?
It is very important for us to return to winning ways.
Winning gives the team confidence, especially after back-to-back draws.
We have spoken to the players and told them not to panic. We want them to stay confident, trust the work we have done in training and play their normal game.
On Sunday, what would a positive outcome look like for you?
I am looking forward to the game and I want the players to express themselves and showcase their abilities.
We have worked hard throughout the week and now it is about putting that work into practice on the pitch.
If we can perform the way we have prepared and get the result we want, that will be a positive outcome for us.
What message would you like to send to the supporters ahead of Sunday’s match?
I would like to encourage our supporters to come to Joyce Chitsulo Stadium and support the team.
Their presence motivates the players and helps them perform with confidence. They are our 12th player and they always give the team extra energy on matchday.
We always appreciate the support they give us and we look forward to seeing them there on Sunday.
