The pain of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ Airtel Top 8 exit still lingers, but head coach Wedson Nyirenda says his players have responded with renewed determination as they prepare for Sunday’s FDH Bank Premiership meeting with Ekhaya FC.
The People’s Team return to Mpira Stadium just days after their Airtel Top 8 campaign ended in a penalty shootout defeat to the same opponents.
Rather than dwelling on the disappointment, Nyirenda says the setback has only strengthened his squad’s determination to respond.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s league encounter, the Bullets head coach said the intensity he has witnessed in training reflects a group determined to put things right.
“The Airtel Top 8 elimination was very painful for us, and you can see the hunger and determination in the players during training.
They want to put things right and change the narrative. We drew against Ekhaya at Bingu Stadium earlier, and in the return leg we were close to turning the tie around before losing on penalties.
That defeat hurt because we felt we had given ourselves a chance to progress. You can see the disappointment and anger in the players, but it has also motivated them. They are focused, looking sharp in training and eager to make a positive response on Sunday.”
While the disappointment of the Airtel Top 8 exit remains fresh, Nyirenda insists his side cannot afford to dwell on the past.
With the cup campaign behind them, Bullets have shifted their full attention to the FDH Bank Premiership, where consistency over the course of the season will be key to achieving their objectives.
Nyirenda reiterates that the league demands a different mindset from knockout football.
“We just have to concentrate on the league for now. The league is different from cup competitions because it’s a marathon, not a sprint. You can win matches today, lose matches tomorrow, and still recover if you remain focused and committed. What is important for us is to maintain the momentum we have built.
We have done very well in our last three games, which has taken us to the top of the table, and we want to keep that run going. The objective is to continue performing the way we have been and collect as many points as possible.”
Sunday’s encounter presents an opportunity for Bullets to build on their recent league momentum.
The People’s Team sit second in the FDH Bank Premiership with 19 points from nine matches, level on points with leaders Blue Eagles, who top the standings on goal difference.
A victory over Ekhaya would not only provide the response Bullets are seeking after last weekend’s cup disappointment. It would also reinforce their growing momentum in the Premiership title race.
