FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Gilbert Chirwa praised his players’ mentality and composure after Sunday’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mighty Wanderers in the FDH Bank Premiership Blantyre derby at Bingu National Stadium.
A spot-kick from captain Blessings Mpokera and a Maxwell Phodo header handed Maule all three points in a fiercely contested encounter as The People’s Team responded strongly after losing the previous meeting between the two rivals in the NBS Bank Charity Shield.
Reflecting on the derby victory, Chirwa revealed that the technical team carried out a detailed review of the Charity Shield defeat and focused on improving key areas ahead of the league encounter.
“After we lost the game in the Charity Shield, we sat down with the players and made a post-mortem of the game and came up with a plan for this game,” he told journalists during his post-match press conference.
“The boys worked hard by scoring two goals and created plenty of goal-scoring opportunities, but the fighting spirit was good right from the beginning to the end.”
The Bullets coach also dismissed suggestions that his side were weighed down by expectations heading into the derby, insisting pressure is part of football, especially in high-profile matches.
“If you check the game, both teams had pressure. That’s football for you and this was a derby. It was inevitable not to have pressure because it’s a big game.
“The team that won last time and the team that has won today had pressure. So in football, pressure is always there.”
Chirwa also explained the thinking behind his midfield setup, which saw Yankho Singo, Paul Master and Chawanangwa Gumbo start together in the centre of the park.
According to the coach, the selection reflected the demands of the match and the level of competition within the squad.
“When we train and we see how the players are doing, and there is a lot of competition, and again, we take into consideration the kind of opposition that we are facing, we decide to come up with that kind of a line-up so it was okay,” he added.
“And for your own information, Chawanangwa can also play as an attacking midfielder,” he responded when asked about Bullets’ attacking setup, with Peter Banda and Wongani Lungu both starting on the bench. Lungu was later introduced in the second half.
Having suffered four consecutive defeats against Wanderers across different competitions before Sunday’s derby, Chirwa admitted the result carried major significance for both the players and supporters.
“This victory means a lot to the team and our supporters. It strengthens belief within the squad and shows that the players are growing together,” said the Bullets mentor.
“But at the same time, it’s only three points. We will celebrate the win, but from tomorrow, our focus shifts to the next match because the season is still long.”
The Bullets coach concluded by thanking the supporters for their backing throughout the contest.
“Our fans were incredible. Their energy pushed the players, especially in difficult moments. This victory is for them.”
Bullets now shift focus to next weekend’s FDH Bank Premiership fixture against Red Lions at Joyce Chitsulo Stadium in Mwanza as Maule look to build momentum from the important derby victory.
