Assistant coach Heston Munthali discusses preparations in Wedson Nyirenda’s absence, improving Bullets’ finishing, the challenge in Dedza and the latest squad news.
Ahead of Saturday’s FDH Bank Premiership encounter against Goshen City Dedza Dynamos at Dedza Stadium, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets assistant coach Heston Munthali addressed the media during his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon.
Standing in for head coach Wedson Nyirenda, who is away in Zambia, Munthali outlined how the players have responded in his absence and the work being done to improve the team’s finishing following last weekend’s goalless draw against Ekhaya FC.
The former Bullets forward also assessed the challenge posed by the hosts, reflected on The People’s Team’s unbeaten away record, discussed competition for places and provided updates on Prince Chiumia and Maxwell Phodo.
Below is the full pre-match press conference.
You are leading preparations while Coach Wedson Nyirenda is away in Zambia. How has the team responded in his absence, and what has he shared with the players?
Yes, indeed, the coach is not around. But at Bullets now, we have a training routine, and his absence is the only thing missing. Everything is in order because we know how to go about our training sessions. The players are responding well because they know that, in his absence, there are assistants. We are taking care of everything.
In the post-match interview against Ekhaya FC last Saturday, you emphasised the team’s finishing, which has been a problem and an area the head coach has also regularly spoken about. What work have you done to improve that aspect ahead of Saturday’s match?
In the game against Ekhaya, we had a lot of chances. Unfortunately, we did not score any. After speaking to the boys and working on finishing in training, they are responding very well. We are hopeful that, come Saturday, we will see some goals from the boys. The team is looking forward to the game.
What response are you expecting from the players?
We drew against Ekhaya last week in a game we could have won, but football being football, we did not. We are looking forward to the game in Dedza, and the players are eager to win against Dynamos. We have done everything, and they know the importance of this game.
Goshen City Dedza Dynamos are currently 14th in the standings, but how dangerous can they be at home, and how important is it not to underestimate them?
Playing Dedza in Dedza is difficult, but we have played and won there before. It would be very good for the team to win in Dedza because it would help us rise in the standings, but we are not looking at the table; we are looking at the game. First of all, we must encourage the players to go there, play and bring home three points. We have already spoken about finishing, and we are very hopeful that we will improve.
What will Bullets need to do particularly well to impose themselves and control the match?
We need to be together as a team, remain composed and play positively. We have worked on many things in training, and we are confident that the players will deliver them in the game.
How important will concentration and effective game management be throughout the 90 minutes?
We should not rush into doing things, and we should know what to do. We should play the way we train, remain positive and show composure in everything. I think that will help us manage the game.
What have you made of the competition for places within the squad, and how is it influencing your selection?
Every player wants to play, and we sometimes find it difficult to select the team. But all the players are working hard. Remember, we have many games to play. On a particular day, we select the players for that match and expect them to give us what we want.
Looking at the statistics, our away record has been impressive, with draws against Civil Service United and Blue Eagles and victories over Kamuzu Barracks and Mighty Wanderers. With another trip awaiting, how are the players approaching this latest away assignment?
They are approaching the game with a good attitude. Considering the matches we have played away, we have won two, so they are confident that we can win in Dedza. We just need to focus and play our normal game, as I have already said.
Do we have any injury updates ahead of this contest?
Yes, the latest is that Prince Chiumia has picked up a knock. We will see if the doctors give us a late fitness report on him, but as of now, he is out.
Maxwell Phodo has missed the last two matches. What is the latest update on him?
This time, Phodo will be in the team. We will travel with him to Dedza. He has been training for the past two weeks, and hopefully we will use him in Dedza.
How important is it to have such an experienced player back in the team?
Being an experienced player, I think he will add something to the team so that we get a win in Dedza. It is important to have him back with us.
With the teams at the top of the table closely separated, what would a positive result in Dedza mean for Bullets’ league campaign?
It is about going there, playing the game and winning. That is all.
