FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Wedson Nyirenda spoke to the media on Thursday ahead of Monday’s FDH Bank Premiership fixture against Masters FC at Mpira Stadium.
The Bullets boss discussed the impact of the fixture rescheduling, the importance of building on last weekend’s victory over Kamuzu Barracks, the team’s unbeaten start to the season, his football philosophy, preparations for Masters FC, the club’s recruitment plans, the latest squad update and much more.
Below is the full transcript of the press conference.
The match has undergone two venue changes before finally being confirmed for Monday at Mpira Stadium. How has the uncertainty affected your preparations, if at all?
First and foremost, psychologically, a change of venue always affects the players, so we have to reassure them. A change of matchday from Saturday to Monday also has its own effect because we had already planned our training programme around the original fixture.
It affects our preparations, but it is nothing to worry about. We have adjusted accordingly and realigned our programme.
You secured your first league victory as head coach against Kamuzu Barracks last weekend. How important is it to build on that result with another positive performance on Monday?
That is the most important thing we have to work on. Consistency leads to championships. If we are not consistent, then we should forget about challenging for the title.
That first win in my tenure was a good welcome for me. It gave me great joy to see the way the boys are responding and the speed at which they are learning.
Consistency is what we are looking for. If we can keep winning matches, then we will be among the teams fighting for the championship.
Against Kamuzu Barracks, Bullets created a number of chances but were unable to convert many of them. Have you identified any potential solutions?
As you have pointed out, we are playing good football but becoming frustrated after missing a lot of chances.
Within the opening minutes against Kamuzu Barracks, we created several clear opportunities. The chances are there, but we need players who can consistently finish them.
Once you fail to take your chances, you give the opposition belief and they grow into the game. We saw that against Ekhaya and again against Kamuzu Barracks.
As for recruitment, we cannot afford to sleep. The biggest clubs are always scouting and recruiting because competition for places is healthy. We are looking around, whether locally or abroad, for players who can improve us.
You mentioned previously that the team could benefit from a creative midfielder. What is your assessment of Sean McBrams?
I have only been here a short time and I am still assessing all the players.
We have 31 players and everyone will get an opportunity to show what they can do. Sean is a good player and, like everyone else, he will be given his chance.
Sometimes a new coach sees a player differently and believes he can be more effective in another position. Those are some of the things we are looking at.
We are not only looking at one position, but also at other areas where he can best help the team.
Blessings Mpokera has played in midfield and defence during his career. What is your assessment of him?
I have seen a great player in Blessings Mpokera.
I was discussing him with Heston Munthali and Zicco Mkanda just yesterday. I believe he can also play as a holding midfielder because he is comfortable on the ball, wins challenges and distributes well.
If we strengthen central defence, then he is someone who could move into midfield because he has the qualities to perform both roles.
The team remains unbeaten after seven league matches. Does maintaining that record provide confidence within the squad?
We are unbeaten, but I am not satisfied.
Being unbeaten with too many draws is almost like a loss. We need to remain unbeaten by winning matches.
Now that we have secured our first league victory together, we have to maintain that mentality. We do not want to return to drawing games. We want to keep moving forward by winning.
Masters made an impressive start to the season before their recent run of defeats. What kind of challenge are you expecting?
When you are a big brand like Bullets, every opponent wants to beat you.
Masters have several former Bullets players and they will be motivated to prove themselves. We respect them, just as we respect every opponent.
We have done our homework and we know what to expect. Our focus is on producing a high-intensity performance and building on the work the players have put in throughout the week.
Monday’s fixture sees you come up against your predecessor, Peter Mponda. Does that add any extra significance?
For me, it is simply another football match. My focus is entirely on the game.
What areas would you still like to improve following the victory over Kamuzu Barracks?
Finishing remains the biggest area we are working on.
Some habits take time to change, but I have already seen encouraging improvement in training this week.
The players are showing greater confidence in front of goal and we want to see them converting the chances we create.
What type of football do you want the team to play for the rest of the season?
I have my own philosophy, which is based on athletic football. I like athletic players and I do not like lazy players.
I want my players to impose themselves on the opposition. I want us to be the team asking the questions rather than the one being asked.
Above all, we have to entertain people. We are in football to entertain and the supporters deserve to enjoy what they have paid to watch.
If we can entertain them and win matches, then we are doing our job.
Another victory would strengthen Bullets’ position in the league standings. Is it too early to look at the table?
A championship is won throughout the season, not only on the final day.
Every training session and every match matters. We approach every game with the objective of collecting three points.
If we keep winning, confidence will continue to grow throughout the squad, especially among the younger players. I have already seen a huge difference since I arrived.
Coach, we’ve noticed that you spend most of your time seated on the bench rather than standing in the technical area during matches. Is there a reason for that?
I do not want to be a choir master and I do not want robots instead of footballers.
My job is to coach from Monday to Friday and prepare the players for matchday. Once the game starts, I want them to make decisions for themselves because they are the ones on the pitch.
If I spend the entire match telling players what to do, then I am creating robots instead of footballers. Players must be able to read the game, think for themselves and express their talent.
Of course, there are moments when you remind them about certain things, but the main discussions can happen at half-time.
When players are trusted to make decisions on the pitch, their football comes naturally and that is what supporters enjoy watching.
Have you already identified transfer targets?
We have not submitted any names yet, but we will do so after careful discussions.
Recruitment has to be strategic. We want players who genuinely improve the squad and become long-term assets for the club.
We will be patient because it is important to bring in the right players rather than simply adding numbers.
Can you provide the latest squad update ahead of Monday’s match?
We have some knocks. Unfortunately, we have lost Paul Master after he picked up an injury in training.
Madalitso Safuli has also been ruled out. The rest of the players are available for selection.
This will be Bullets’ first league match in Blantyre this season. What message do you have for the supporters?
We are delighted to be back in our backyard and we want the supporters to come out in large numbers.
Players will make mistakes from time to time, but they need encouragement. I have been impressed by the support I have seen so far, both home and away.
This football club is a family and the supporters are a huge part of it. Without them, we are nothing.
We promise to give our best and we look forward to seeing them behind the team on Monday.
