Head coach Peter Mponda addressed the media on Thursday afternoon ahead of the highly anticipated Blantyre derby between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium this Sunday.
With The People’s Team leading the TNM Super League standings and the title race heating up, Mponda described the fixture as “timely,” saying it has come at the perfect moment for his side. The tactician also provided updates on team news, Bullets’ current form, and the return to form of forward Hassan Kajoke.
On the game’s approach
“It will be like the way we have been approaching other games. We know we are playing a team that hasn’t lost any game in the league so far — a very good team being coached by a very good coach. In the first round, they beat us 1-0, and we were lucky that it ended that way. But now I believe the team has matured. When we faced them earlier, we were just forcing things, not in a good position. Now the players understand how I want them to play.”
On fixing mistakes from the first round
“It’s difficult to say we’ve fully rectified the mistakes from the first round. In that game, we were very flat and didn’t turn up. This time, Wanderers are meeting us when we believe we’re in the right space. The team has gelled, our performances have been consistent, and everyone is happy to meet them at this point when we feel ready.”
On maintaining the unbeaten run
“We shouldn’t get carried away with the results or the way we’re playing. Everyone knows we’re rebuilding after losing several players to foreign teams. We’re lucky that during this rebuilding process, we’re also managing to get results. I’m confident this game has come at the right time — the team has matured, and the boys believe in themselves. I’m happy we’re meeting Wanderers when we’re ready for them.”
On player rotation and team selection
“It’s not so much about rotation but about what we see in training. Those performing well earn their place. For Chikumbutso Salima, it was about giving him full recovery time, and now he’s ready for Wanderers. Chrispin Mapemba is also training well and available. The only player out is Yankho Singo, who picked up an injury against Kamuzu Barracks, though doctors are still assessing him.”
On expectations from Wanderers
“They are a confident team — unbeaten so far in the league — and that gives them belief. They won in the first round, but I think 90 minutes will tell. I’m speaking with confidence today that we are ready.”
On whether the match is a title decider
“It’s too early to call it a title decider. There’s still a long way to go. We still have to travel to Karonga, Blue Eagles, and Creck Sporting Club. This game is not a title decider, but it’s an important one. We must go, play, and win.”
On Hassan Kajoke’s resurgence
“I won’t take the credit. Kajoke has been working hard and realised he needs to get back to being the player we all know. He’s training well, improving, and returning to form. Credit must go to him.”
The Blantyre Derby comes at a crucial stage in the TNM Super League title race. Bullets currently top the table with 49 points from 20 games, while Wanderers, who have a game in hand, sit second with 45 points after defeating Blue Eagles 3-1 in midweek.
With only four points separating the two rivals, Sunday’s clash at Kamuzu Stadium promises to be another thrilling chapter in Malawi’s biggest football rivalry — a battle for pride, momentum, and control in the championship race.
