FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Peter Mponda has underlined the importance of bouncing back as his side heads to the Northern Region for the first time this season to face Mzuzu City Hammers in the TNM Super League on Thursday.
The People’s Team are coming off a painful 1-0 defeat at home to Blue Eagles and will be hoping to respond positively when they take on the Mzuzu-based outfit at Rumphi Stadium in Matchweek 14.
Mponda, speaking ahead of the trip, acknowledged the significance of the fixture and the need to recover lost ground in the title race after falling six points behind log leaders Mighty Wanderers.
“We are coming from a painful defeat, which we lost to Blue Eagles at Kamuzu Stadium,” he said. “The boys know the importance of bouncing back tomorrow, and they know how costly it is to lose points at home. We need to recover those three points we dropped on Sunday.”
He further noted the difficulty of playing in the North but expressed confidence in the squad’s preparation.
“Yes, we are here in the North—a very difficult place to play football, a very difficult place to get results—but we believe that we have prepared well and we will get the three points.”
On Thursday, Bullets face a Mzuzu City Hammers side that sits 15th in the standings and is also coming from back-to-back defeats. However, Mponda warned against underestimating the opposition.
“They are not only good at home, but everywhere. In their last two games, they were just unfortunate not to get results, but they played very well. They also have the advantage of playing at home, and we know they will give us a tough run.”
Asked about the return of midfielder Peter Banda to the squad, Mponda said he is encouraged by the player’s steady progression but insists he still needs more minutes.
“He is getting to his best, but he is not there yet. Once he plays four or five games, he’ll get there. We don’t want to rush him. He needs a slow introduction, but I’m happy with how he is performing.”
Despite recent setbacks, Mponda insists there is no panic in the camp and remains optimistic about the team’s direction.
“In terms of results, we haven’t been very good, but we are happy with where we are. Yes, we are struggling, but we’re not under pressure. We’re still within reach, and we are taking it one game at a time.”
Mponda also took time to appreciate the supporters for their unwavering patience.
“I just want to thank them for exercising patience in the midst of bad results. Yes, the results are not coming, but they have been very supportive. We still need their support. They know the team was disjointed at the start of the season and we’re trying to build something new. We are thankful, and we believe we will deliver.”
