“Out to change the narrative” Mwase hopes to claim bragging rights in BT Derby

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets held their pre-match press briefing a day before Wanderers did but they later released it earlier than Bullets. Both Ramadan and his assistant coach, Meke Mwase have some roots in their Saturday counterpart. Ramadan had two tenures with the people’s team as a coach though his recent one ended in chaos, Mwase was a defender for the team.

The Nomads are hanging above Bullets in goal difference, they have conceded just a goal in four games, keeping three consecutive cleansheets since Richard Chipuwa returned to the sticks.

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In the last seven derbies in all competitions, only the Charity Shield Cup game produced the winner in regulation time (in 2023) but six of them ended in stalemate – two cup games needed a penalty shootout to get the winner and Wanderers won in Airtel Top 8 Cup, Bullets knocked the Nomads out of Castel Cup.

Out of the last 22 league matches, Big Bullets have won seven and Wanderers have won two. The last time the derby produced the winner was in 2022 when Bullets beat Wanderers 2-1 in the opening match.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Mwase who holds the role of speaking to the press in place of Ramadan said they are determined to change the narrative on Saturday.

“It’s a new season with new ideas so we have prepared very well for the game and everyone knows how important this game is so our preparations have been good and we are good to go.

“We know that Bullets are defending champions and that the game will be a tough one but our ultimate goal is to be the champions this season and so we will give our best,” he said.

Wanderers completed the Cameroonian striker, signing, Sama Thierry Tanjong as a boost ahead of the derby but Mwase says the availability of the striker on Saturday will depend on whether the Head Coach has plans to use him or not.

Lawrence Chaziya and Blessings Singini returned to the squad after recovery from injury

The 2024 TNM Super League kicked off last month. Battles for prestige, bragging rights, and points have been at stake in season number 37 of the elite league.

The Nomads kicked off the campaign with a home game against the Capital City-based Soldiers, Kamuzu Barracks at Kamuzu Stadium.

Christopher Kumwembe became our first scorer of the season when he put the team in front in the first half but the visitors battled back to earn a point in the second half.

After a disappointing start to the season, Wanderers moved out of the cocoon with a hammering 3-0 win over the rookies, Friends of Mulanje Orphans, FOMO Football Club in Mulanje.

Felix Zulu, Wisdinho Mpinganjira, and Peter Cholopi scored vital goals that restored happiness for the Nomads as they picked their first win of the season with debutant, Blessings Singini, claiming a man of the match award in the game.

A strong start in the second half for the Nomads was proven by Felix Zulu’s brilliant opener in the 50th minute before Mpinganjira sent a powerful shot 71 seconds later then Peter Cholopi headed in a Stanley Sanudi’s corner kick in the 54th minute to kill the match. Francisco Madinga and Isaac Kaliati replaced Zulu and Chirwa as the Nomads continued their dominance.

Ramadan handed Dan Kudonto a debut who came in together with Misheck Botomani for Wisdinho Mpinganjira and Kumwembe and no harm was further made as the Nomads sealed their first win of the season.

Off the back of the win over FOMO, Wanderers recorded another convincing win over another rookie, CRECK Sporting Club who were unbeaten in their last two games before our game.

Stanley Sanudi scored from the spot before assisting Christopher Kumwembe for a second in the first half and Gaddie Chirwa hit the final nail in the second half to seal the win for the Nomads.

The two-game winning streak was halted by Bangwe All-Stars in the fourth game of the season after a barren draw at Mpira Stadium.

After four games, Wanderers are third on the table with 8 points, 2 adrift of the leaders, Silver Strikers heading into the Derby week. The team has scored seven goals and conceded just a goal.