Msakakuona demands mental reset as Eagles struggle for form ahead of Wanderers clash

Blue Eagles gaffer calls for focus and determination as team prepares for crucial midweek fixture after their recent run of poor results.

Head coach Deklek Msakakuona has challenged his players to shake off Sunday’s disappointing defeat and approach Wednesday’s home clash against Mighty Wanderers FC with renewed determination and focus.

Speaking to the media after the team regrouped for training this afternoon at Nankhaka Stadium, Msakakuona acknowledged that the 3-1 loss to Civil Service United still weighs heavily on his squad, but insisted there’s no time for dwelling on past mistakes.

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“The boys know the importance of the game. I know the loss we suffered on Sunday still lingers in their heads but they have to forget it and look forward ahead of our next assignment,” the tactician stated firmly.

The defeat in Blantyre was Eagles’ second loss in three matches, leaving them languishing in seventh position with 28 points from 20 games. For Msakakuona, Wednesday’s fixture represents more than just an opportunity to collect three points—it’s a chance to restore pride and prove the team can compete with the league’s elite.

NO ROOM FOR ANOTHER HOME DISAPPOINTMENT

The coach was particularly emphatic about the need to avoid a repeat of the first-round result, when Eagles fell to the Nomads in Blantyre, saying the prospect of losing the double to their more illustrious opponents is simply unacceptable.

Mighty Wanderers hammered Blue Eagles 3-1 in the opening match of the season at Kamuzu Stadium and on Wednesday, the Cops will be hunting for a revenge.

“We lost in the first round in Blantyre and I don’t think it will look good to lose again at home,” Msakakuona declared, his words carrying the weight of expectation that comes with facing one of Malawi football’s traditional giants.

Mighty Wanderers arrive at Nankhaka Stadium sitting pretty in second position with 42 points from just 18 matches, making them genuine title contenders. The quality gap on paper is evident, but Msakakuona believes the home advantage and his team’s hunger can level the playing field.

DIFFERENT OPPONENT, DIFFERENT APPROACH

One of the key themes in Msakakuona’s pre-match assessment was the importance of adapting to different opponents. Having faced Civil Service United just three days earlier, the coach emphasized that Wednesday’s challenge would require a completely different mindset and tactical approach.

“The fielding also determines what type of the game will be. We played Civil on Sunday and definitely the hype will be the same and even the mental aspect in the boys will be different because we are playing two different teams altogether,” he explained.

It’s a nuanced observation that speaks to Msakakuona’s understanding of the psychological demands of football. Civil Service United and Mighty Wanderers may both be formidable opponents, but they present entirely different tactical puzzles. The ability to mentally reset and adjust accordingly could prove crucial.

What gives the coach confidence heading into the fixture is the attitude he’s witnessed from his players in training. Despite the recent setbacks, the desire to perform and win remains strong.

“The boys are eager to play well and win the match,” Msakakuona confirmed, suggesting the defeat to Civil has served as motivation rather than a crushing blow to morale.

INJURY CONCERNS CLOUD PREPARATIONS

While the mental aspect appears positive, Msakakuona’s preparations have been complicated by fitness concerns. Right-back Davie Malenguka, who was forced off after just 15 minutes against Civil Service United, remains a doubt for Wednesday’s encounter.

“Our medical team is still assessing him and we will get a report tomorrow on whether he will be available for selection on Wednesday or not,” the coach revealed. “If he doesn’t look good we will miss him against Wanderers and of course on Sunday against Ekhaya FC in Blantyre as we will leave on Friday, so we will see how he will be going to recover.”

Malenguka’s potential absence would be a significant blow, particularly given the quality of opposition Eagles will face on the flanks. Trouble Banda, who replaced Malenguka on Sunday, may be called upon again if the medical assessment proves unfavorable.

The injury situation is further compounded by the continued absence of striker James “Sholigah” Stambuli, who hasn’t featured since July’s memorable 1-0 victory over FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium. The knee injury that has kept him sidelined for three months represents a major loss of firepower for a team that has struggled to score consistently.

Defender Ian Chinyama also remains unavailable, though Msakakuona offered a glimmer of hope for both long-term absentees.

“The attacker is still sidelined alongside defender Ian Chinyama but they might be back before the end of the season,” he said, though that return will come too late to impact Wednesday’s crucial fixture.