FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Gilbert Chirwa says The People’s Team are fully prepared for Saturday’s NBS Bank Charity Shield Blantyre derby against Mighty Wanderers.
Speaking to journalists in Lilongwe on Friday morning, the Bullets mentor addressed the media ahead of the season opener.
The head coach touched on the team’s preparations, lessons from last season’s derby results, the impact of new signings, and positives drawn from pre-season as Bullets gear up for the new campaign.
Read below the full press conference:
You are facing Wanderers after losing three times to them last season. How prepared are you?
We are very much prepared. The team, I mean our team, all players are well and looking forward to the game.
What exactly have you worked on practically to change the narrative?
Thanks very much. A very good question. I’ve worked on quite a number of things. At the beginning, we strengthened the team. We brought in some new blood, about six of them.
Plus, the players that we had last season, we’ve come up with a very good team. We know for sure. As you are aware, they beat us three times last year, but that doesn’t mean that it will be the same this year.
This is a different year. It’s a new year. Our approach is very positive and I think all the players are motivated and they are looking forward to doing well.
How would you balance the pressure of losing three times last season and your record in this competition?
Well, I think I’ve actually told you that we are ready. We’ve prepared the boys, the team is ready. When we are ready, it means we are ready.
I think there’s nothing else. We are ready to come and face Wanderers tomorrow here. I don’t have to go into details about the tactics and techniques. Otherwise, the main point is that we are very much ready.
You played several friendlies during the pre-season. Are you satisfied with how the team has been prepared before tomorrow’s match?
Very much so. We played several games, so many games. We scored so many goals. Actually, our main reason for arranging those matches was to see different combinations as we are preparing for the new season.
Indeed, it worked out quite okay and I think I’m impressed with the way the team is doing.
Tomorrow’s game is not just about the Blantyre derby, but also your record in this tournament. Are you going to maintain that momentum?
The fact that I’m telling you that the team is ready, I think I’m telling you that we are prepared.
I think there’s no need to say more. I think that is enough and I think the team is ready.
You finished on a high last season. As coach, what is your expectation starting from tomorrow?
Indeed, what you’re saying is very true. We had a very good run and we intend to continue with the same.
I think it’s not that easy, but I know for sure each and every time we meet Wanderers, the tempo and everything is high, but we are ready for that.
Do you have any injuries?
Chrispin Mapemba’s operation is done and I think any time he will be back home and I expect that the second round we will be with him.
This match comes after your recent appointment. How do you handle the expectations from the fans?
Yes, that’s very true. In fact, I grew up here at Bullets. I joined Bullets in 1981 and I played until 1998. I started coaching here, and most of the coaches you see around have passed through me.
We are ready. I’ve said it right from the beginning—we are ready. You ask me different questions, but the answer remains the same: we are ready.
