FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Wedson Nyirenda has called on supporters to fill Mpira Stadium on Sunday as The People’s Team prepare for a crucial FDH Bank Premiership encounter against Blue Eagles.
The Matchweek 16 fixture marks the start of the second round following a five-week midseason break, with Bullets sitting second on 30 points, one behind the visitors.
Both sides signed off the first round with victories over fellow title contenders. Bullets swept aside Silver Strikers 5-0 at Mpira Stadium, while Blue Eagles defeated Mighty Wanderers 2-1 to finish top of the standings.
Sunday’s encounter follows a 1-1 draw between the two sides at Civo Stadium in the first round, setting up another important meeting as the title race resumes.
During Thursday’s pre-match press conference, the Zambian outlined his expectations for the supporters as Bullets prepare for their return to competitive action.
“What we expect now is a full house at Mpira Stadium. How I wish it was Kamuzu Stadium because I feel Mpira might even be too small for this game,” said Nyirenda.
Nyirenda also expressed his appreciation for the Maule faithful, whom he described as the club’s ‘landlords’ during the press conference.
“We know what is coming from our landlords. We call them landlords because they are the owners of the team,” he explained. “We gave them something to be happy about throughout this break after that memorable win. I think we sent a statement that their team is back.”
The head coach also reflected on how supporters responded to the Silver victory and the excitement surrounding Sunday’s meeting with the league leaders.
“We played our best game and everyone went home talking about it, telling others, ‘If you did not watch today, you missed.’ Now we are playing a team that is one point above us. That alone is exciting everyone.”
With another important test awaiting his side, Nyirenda wants his players to reward the supporters for their continued backing and deliver a performance worthy of the occasion.
“We do not intend to make our supporters and fans miserable on the day. We are going there to give them something very good,” he said. “We ask everyone to come in numbers and give us the support they have been giving us.
“We are very grateful to them and we are going to do our best.”
Sunday’s Matchweek 16 encounter at Mpira Stadium kicks off at 14:30.
