Head coach Wedson Nyirenda discusses preparations during the league break, Saturday’s high-stakes meeting with Silver Strikers, the title race, recruitment, team news and the importance of the supporters.
Ahead of Saturday’s final first-round fixture in the FDH Bank Premiership against Silver Strikers at Mpira Stadium, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Wedson Nyirenda spoke to club media.
Nyirenda explained how the league break allowed his side to work on areas requiring improvement following the goalless draw away to Luanar Mitundu.
He also discussed the challenge posed by the league leaders, the progress of new arrivals Sheku Sheriff and Tinaye Tsimba, further recruitment and the importance of the supporters before providing the latest squad update.
Below is the full pre-match interview.
Coach, how did you use the league break to prepare for Saturday?
The break was very useful to us, and we used it wisely. We organised ourselves and trained well last week before dividing the squad into two balanced teams for a competitive internal match. That game showed us a lot of good things because every player participated and demonstrated how competitive they can be.
What have you worked on since the goalless draw with Luanar?
Since last week, the players have shown a lot of improvement in finishing, which has been a major problem. We have also worked on the flow of our game and playing from the back, knowing that we will be playing on a smooth surface.
We had problems playing our game in Dedza, although we played better than the hosts and created about four good chances. We have worked on the finishing, and the players have shown us something. If that is anything to go by, then we believe we can carry the day on Saturday.
How important are three successive clean sheets heading into Saturday’s match?
Championship teams defend well. If you cannot defend yourself and you are porous, it means you are vulnerable against any team. Since I came, we have worked extensively on our defensive principles and operations—the distances, angles and speed of our cover, as well as every other aspect of defending.
The boys are very good at adapting, and they have responded very well. We have conceded only two goals since I took over and kept several clean sheets, which is the mark of a championship team. If you cannot score, then the other team should not score either. Whether we are away or at home, scoring against us will be very difficult.
How have Sheku Sheriff and Tinaye Tsimbaba settled, and could they feature on Saturday?
They have settled very well and are looking very good. Unfortunately, they will not feature in this game. We will start with them in the second round because we want them to adapt fully to the team. We did not want to rush them, but they are looking better.
With the transfer window open until 21 September, where would you still like to strengthen?
There are several areas, but I cannot disclose them right now because I do not want to alert anyone. There are three areas where I want to strengthen, and we are still looking. It would not be proper to mention them now, but we still have a long way to go in strengthening the team.
You indicated that bringing in players could also lead to departures. Have you identified who could leave during this window?
Yes. Football is competitive, and when you enter the game, you must understand that you will face competition. I must clarify that being released by a club does not mean you are a bad player. Sometimes, you simply do not fit into one puzzle, but you can move elsewhere, fit into another and perform better.
We cannot continue bringing in players while allowing the numbers to keep growing. This is an organisation, and we must consider the wage bill, competition within the squad and the number of players a coach can manage. As I have always said, if we bring in more players, spaces must first be created.
Only two points separate Bullets and leaders Silver. Does that change your approach?
This is a do-or-die game for us. We are playing at home before our own landlords. The supporters are the landlords; they are the owners of the game. We need to give them a good send-off into the break, and we want to finish knowing that we have moved up and can begin the second round at the summit.
Silver have lost once and conceded five goals. What challenge do you expect?
A very good and explosive game. I watched Silver against Civil Service United at CIVO Stadium during my first week in Lilongwe. They played very well. They are organised and tactical, and they have experienced players.
That has given us a lot of homework, but I believe we have done it. Playing against an organised team can be easier to plan for because you know exactly what they are doing. On Saturday, people will watch very good football from Silver and Bullets.
Regular left-back Prince Chiumia is suspended. How will you manage his absence?
We have options in that position and have been trying different combinations. We have the youngster Kondwani Tebulo, Aaron Chilipa and Andrew Jovinala, who can also play on the left. We have tested all three, and we will decide who takes the position. We will have a player ready to fill that role.
How important will the supporters be against the Central Bankers?
They will be very important, as they have always been for us. They bring great encouragement to the team and always push their boys to the limit. When they come on Saturday, the boys will be lifted and happy to see their people turning out in numbers. I know the stadium will be packed.
Lastly, what is the latest squad news ahead of Saturday?
The good news is that George Chaomba has fully recovered and is back. He has been training well and is looking very good. Paul Master has also recovered and is now doing individual rehabilitation work with the doctors during training. Chrispin Mapemba is the only player still out. The rest are fully fit and available for selection.
