Mpokera: Blantyre derby crucial for title race

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets defender Blessings Mpokera believes the upcoming Blantyre derby will be pivotal in determining the TNM Super League title race.

Bullets currently enjoy a four-point cushion over second-placed rivals Mighty Wanderers in the championship chase. The league leaders recently completed a double over Silver Strikers with a 1-0 victory, building on their first-round win against the same opponents.

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However, heading into the second Blantyre derby, Bullets will be seeking revenge after suffering a 1-0 defeat in the first round, courtesy of Blessings Mwalirino’s goal.

“Focus on One Game at a Time”

Speaking after his team’s comeback victory against Silver Strikers, Mpokera, who serves as second assistant captain, emphasized a cautious approach to the title race.

“I can’t say that we have won or lost the league championship yet. Championships are decided on the final day of the season,” he said. “We are happy that we are winning games in the second round, which is the most important thing. It boosts our chances.

“Beating Mighty Wanderers would get us closer to the conversation about the league title. It will be a crucial game for us. For now, we are focused on winning our games.”

“Mponda: Rivals Remain Favorites”

Despite his team’s commanding position, Big Bullets head coach Peter Mponda maintains that both Mighty Wanderers and Silver Strikers remain the favorites for the title.

Bullets sit 10 points ahead of third-placed defending champions Silver Strikers and four points clear of Wanderers, though they have played one game more than both rivals.

Mponda, who stated earlier this year that his rivals have superior chances, pointed to the stability of their squads and technical panels compared to his rebuilding project at Bullets.

“Silver Strikers and Mighty Wanderers are still the hot favorites for the title and we are just leading the race for now,” he explained. “They have invested a lot in their squads while we lost some key players and didn’t do much in the market. They are still the favorites for the title.”

“Expert analysis: Wanderers’ title to lose”

Sports analyst Gospel Kanyama believes the championship is in Mighty Wanderers’ hands despite trailing by four points.

“They have a game in hand and if they win it, they will be just a point behind Bullets,” Kanyama noted. “Then there will be the second Blantyre derby, and they will need to win it to overtake Bullets and maintain the same intensity to win the league.

“However, a game in hand is not points. They won their derby in the first round and they can do it again.”