By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, May 30, Mana: Week nine of TNM Super league will put to test unbeaten run for defending champions, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and current league leaders, Silver Strikers on Sunday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The clash of the giants is a litmus test both teams which have not posted any defeat for the season.
Bullets are fourth on the log with 14 points while Silver are on top with 22 points from eight games, six points clear of second placed, Mzuzu City Hammers with 16 points.
The People’s team have only two wins and five draws while the Central Bankers have seven wins and a draw to their credit.
Crowd pulling encounter promises fireworks and a lot of expectations from both camps itching for a straight win.
Last season, both teams played out to two one all draws but the Sunday encounter fans are baying for a win for any of the two.
The Area 47 outfit has been on song for the first opening counters where they have been banging in goals to their advantage while the counterparts are struggling on front of a goal hence they have accumulated five draws.
Men to watch from both sides, Bullets. Patrick Mwaungulu has four goals to his credit, Hassan Kajoke, Lanjesi Nkhoma and Chawanangwa Gumbo while Silver have Uchizi Vunga, Charles Chipala, Chikondi Kamanga and Zebron Kalima.
However, the availability of their four goal scoring duo of Adiel Kaduya and Binwell Katinji remains doubtful as they are reportedly nursing some injuries.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers coming from two defeats are geared to face Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos on Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium.
Wanderers have an interim coach, after their head coach Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan a had resigned from his posts and his assistant, Meke Mwase was made to replace him.
Mwase carries hope for Wanderers starved supporters who are looking for a win in order to revive their title chase ambitions after a Lilongwe and Mzuzu setbacks.
The away games for the Lali Lubani Boys have proved to be costly and they need to forgo the nasty experience and take their game head on.
Premier Bet Dedza have been strong playing at home and they managed to share points with Bullets and Silver while on their travel they have been found wanting at times.
Third placed, Kamuzu Barracks with 15 points are facing Karonga United at Civo stadium on Thursday.
Kamuzu Barracks will definitely push for a win in order to climb the ladder while Karonga United will be search for a win after they were beaten 4-2 by Silver Strikers last weekend.
On Friday, Civil Services United coming from a 2-0 win over Chitipa United in Karonga last Thursday will have to entertain another Karonga side, Baka City at home.
Baka City have moved from the basement of the log, now on position 15 will be looking for the first win over Civil Service United to give them hope of survival.
Chitipa United with new interim coach at the helm they need to find a winning formula if they are to pull out of the relegation zone as they be facing.
Their coaches, head coach, Mcnebert Kadzuwa and his assistant, Elvis Kafoteka throw a tower after the team’s dismissal performance.
Immediately, the team promoted second assistant coach, Gift Mkamanga to become an interim coach and will be assisted by Wakisa Mukhondiya.
It will be seen if the new coach will have the magic to make Chitipa United a force to reckon with.
They have a daunting fixture against log anchors, Bangwe All Stars at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre on Sunday.
Stubborn, Mzuzu City Hammers are on the road and they will face the debutantes, FOMO at Mulanje Park on Saturday.
Victory over Wanderers should not be used as a yard stick to undermine FOMO because they have very strong playing at home.
After pulling a 0-0 draw against Bullets on Monday, Moyale Barracks are lining up against Mighty Waka Tigers which has be unpredictable at times.
Both teams are seriously look for a win in order to narrow the gap with the two five teams.
The fixtures are as follows and kick off is 2:30 pm.
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Kamuzu Barracks vs Karonga United @Civo Stadium
Friday, May 31, 2024
Civil Services United vs Baka City @ Civo Stadium
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Mafco vs Creck Sporting @ Chitowe Stadium
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers vs Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos
Moyale Barracks vs Mighty Waka Tigers @ Mzuzu Stadium
FOMO vs Mzuzu City Hammers @ Mulanje Park
Sunday, June 2, 2024
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets vs Silver Strikers @ Kamuzu Stadium
Bangwe All Stars vs Chitipa United @ Mpira Stadium