Lloyd Aaron has expressed his eagerness to claim victory in his first Blantyre derby as captain of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
This Saturday at 14:30, Bullets and Mighty Wanderers will go head-to-head in the TNM Super League at Kamuzu Stadium in the most highly anticipated showdown in Malawian football.
Having been appointed club captain by head coach Peter Mponda just two weeks ago, Aaron is preparing to lead The People’s Team into this high-stakes matchup. The midfielder emphasized the significance of securing a win against their rivals in the Bullets’ seventh league match of the season.
“Saturday marks my very first Blantyre derby wearing the captain’s armband, and my top priority is to secure my first derby win as the Bullets’ captain.”
“As a leader, nothing feels better than seeing things go our way, and that’s exactly what I want—for both the team and myself—winning, especially in matches like this,” Aaron shared with reporters during Thursday’s pre-match press conference.
Well aware of the pressure and high expectations that accompany this renowned fixture, Aaron remains confident in the squad’s preparation and determination as Bullets look to build on their strong start to the season.
“We are not treating this game differently just because it’s a derby. Although it’s the biggest game in Malawi and comes with extra pressure—both teams are giants and everyone wants a positive result—our preparations have been the same as for any match. Our focus is simply on winning,” Aaron responded.
Addressing the fans, the captain had this to say: “We, the players, are ready for this battle. We’re asking our supporters to turn out in large numbers—to be the twelfth man. We’ll take to the pitch as eleven, but the backing from the stands will be the crucial push we need.”
The People’s Team head into Saturday’s fixture at the top of the league table with 18 points from six games, boasting the best attack and defense this season, with 20 goals scored and just one conceded. Meanwhile, Wanderers sit second with 13 points from five matches, having netted ten goals and conceded four.
“It’s crucial for us to win this game,” Aaron stated. “Defeating second-placed Wanderers would open up a valuable gap between us and them, so we need to show our determination and go all out for the three points on Saturday.”
