FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Wedson Nyirenda says The People’s Team are moving in the right direction but remain a work in progress despite Saturday’s 2-0 FDH Bank Premiership victory over Creck Sporting Club.
Ephraim Kondowe’s brace earned The People’s Team a third consecutive league win at Mpira Stadium, extending our unbeaten start to the season to nine matches and lifting Bullets to second in the standings.
Encouraged by the performance, Nyirenda stressed that there is still significant room for improvement before his side reaches the level he expects.
“I think we are getting better every day. We are improving with every game.”
Saturday’s performance offered further evidence of the progress the new Bullets head coach has sought since his arrival, with The People’s Team showing greater control in possession while maintaining their attacking identity.
“Today, we scored two goals that won us the match. Of course, we missed a few chances, but we remain an attacking team. Our game management and overall flow of play were very good. We looked organised and we are doing well.”
Despite the encouraging signs, the Zambian believes complacency would be the quickest way to halt his team’s development, with improving efficiency in front of goal remaining one of his immediate priorities.
“We are still working on our finishing. This team is still a work in progress.”
Three successive league victories have done little to alter Nyirenda’s long-term outlook. He says he will only consider the rebuilding process complete when his players consistently reach the standards he expects.
“When the building process is complete, I will tell you it is complete. For now, there are still areas that need improvement.”
Despite focusing on his own team’s performance, the Bullets head coach was equally generous in his assessment of Creck Sporting Club, describing Ernest Mtawali’s side as the toughest opponents he has faced since arriving in Blantyre.
“We were playing a very good team today. In fact, I think this is the best team I have faced since I arrived here.”
He said Creck’s confidence, competitiveness and aggressive counter-pressing reflected the work Ernest Mtawali has done, underlining why The People’s Team had to produce one of their most complete performances under the new Bullets head coach to secure all three points.
“They gave us a tough challenge and you can clearly see the work coach Ernest Mtawali has done. They are playing with confidence, they are competitive, and they always look to win. It was a big game and you could see how well they counter-pressed us throughout the match.”
Attention now turns to the second leg of the Airtel Top 8 quarter-final against Ekhaya FC at Mpira Stadium. With the tie level at 1-1 after the first leg, The People’s Team will be aiming to book a place in the semi-finals.
