Blue Battle: Players to watch as pride, and points call Silver Strikers, and Wanderers into battle

Silver Strikers, flying higher in the league, bagging 16 points from a possible 18, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers enjoying some happy moments, Silver Stadium is the venue to host the two heavyweights.

Peter Mponda said the result of the blue battle will not define the title race, Meke Mwase said Wanderers need the game most and they are prepared to halt Bankers’ good start to the season.

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As called by Pieter De Jongh when he was the head coach for Silver Strikers, small details differentiate teams in big games, and the quality of players also plays a part in defining moments.

We look at some of the players to watch this afternoon at Silver Stadium

Chimwemwe Idana

The deep-lying midfielder who can also play as a second striker comes to life in big games. His lone strike against Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in the reverse fixture last season rekindled Silver’s title interest.

After displaying a splendid performance against CRECK Sporting Club last weekend, the former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Vice Captain will likely be the heartbeat for the Bankers. He started playing against Wanderers during his days at Bullets.

The 25-year-old midfielder hasn’t been as influential as he was last season, but his performance in the last two games where he was deployed as a second striker has produced some improvement, and he can be the player to watch this afternoon. He also scored some goals against the Nomads.

2. Blessings Singini
   A short-sized midfielder, he was the star player for Mighty Mukuru Wanderers during the Blantyre Derby, pocketing Lloyd Aaron Banega and Yankho Singo with his marking and passing ability.

He is sitting at the base of the midfield, partnering with Felix Zulu in a double pivot and the two are influential both offensively and defensively. Wanderers are heading into this game having let in only two goals in seven games and scoring nine. Singing will be in battle with Idana and his team in midfield.

Adiel Kaduya

Pieter De Jongh saw brilliance in the youngster who was playing in the second-tier league last season. He promoted him to the senior team but couldn’t unleash him to the fullest capacity, Peter Mponda does the rest.

Adiel Kaduya is one of the early contenders for the Player of the Season, facing competition from FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ attacking player, Patrick Mwaungulu. Kaduya’s combination with other front players is admirable putting aside his finishing touch.

The youngster who lost Silver Strikers’ Player of the Month is enjoying the form of his life after scoring four goals and providing multiple assists for the Bankers this season. He is expected to be a dangerous man for Silver Strikers against Wanderers.

Gaddie Chirwa

An all-round attacker who can play in all four attacking positions. Gaddie Chirwa is the attacking link for the Nomads this season keeping them in a “happy” mood. Chirwa is back in the Capital City where he started playing elite league with Blue Eagles.

Nsazurwimo Ramadan and Meke Mwase have been utilizing him as the second striker in their 4-4-2 formation allowing Wisdom Mpinganjira and Isaac Kaliyati to occupy the opposite flanks. His speed and unselfish play will be vital for the Nomads who are eager to go second should they record their first away win against Silver since 2021.

Binwell Katinji

A towering striker returned home after a couple of years out with Silver Strikers’ rivals, Civil Service United. His return saw Silver Strikers being ruthless in front of the goal and it was to nobody’s surprise to see him lifting the team’s Player of the Month of April, beating Kaduya, another top performer.

Katinji’s attacking prowess saw him bagging four goals in six games. He is the main striker that Peter Mponda is trusting this season as he started in all the games. Bankers will need him to battle for the aerial balls with Wanderers’ tall defenders, Lawrence Chaziya and Ahamad Kung’unde.

Stanley Sanudi

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers’ 4-4-2 formation relies on wing players to whip in crosses, Central strikers need to be sharp. Stanley Sanudi who joined the Club in 2015 is showing no signs of slowing down as he is still performing at the top level.

Stripped off the captaincy armband earlier this year by the new technical panel wouldn’t let him down and he is one of the players who are powering Nomads in their making Mighty ‘mighty’ again campaign. His ball delivery from dead balls is crucial for Wanderers this afternoon.

Pictures courtesy of Silver Strikers and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Media