Mighty Mukuru Wanderers are facing a defensive crisis ahead of their much-anticipated Blantyre Derby against arch-rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, with only one recognised centre-back available for selection.
The Nomads found themselves in a similar predicament during their previous match, where Peter Cholopi was the only natural centre-back available. As a result, the technical panel deployed a makeshift back three that included full-backs Stanley Sanudi and Emmanuel Nyirenda flanking Cholopi at the heart of the defence.
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Despite the makeshift arrangement, Wanderers managed to hold strong for most of the match, thanks largely to a solid midfield performance. However, their defensive resistance was eventually broken in the dying minutes when Chinsinsi Maonga equalised from a free-kick.
On the bench, the Wanderers had only two additional defenders — Timothy Silwimba and Masinda Manda — both full-backs. This means the club currently has just four full-backs and one fit centre-back in their defensive ranks.
The absence of captain Lawrence Chaziya due to a two-week injury layoff has compounded the team’s woes. Fellow central defender Chimwemwe Nkhoma is also sidelined with a long-term injury, while Ahamad Kung’unde is no longer training with the team after rejecting a contract extension over reported disagreements.
Wanderers’ defensive frailties have been evident since the start of the season. The backline of Manda, Chaziya, Nyirenda (playing out of position as a centre-back), and Sanudi has already conceded seven goals in five games, keeping just one clean sheet.
The club’s failure to secure adequate centre-back reinforcements during the off-season is now haunting them. Targets such as Fanizo Mwansambo, who joined Ekhaya FC, and Chris Lwemba, who remains a fringe player at Creck Sporting Club, slipped away. Additionally, they passed on opportunities to sign free agent Kelvin Kadzinje and Mighty Tigers’ Alex Kambirinya, who was only offered a pre-contract.
This weekend, they face the daunting task of containing a rampant Bullets attack that has scored 23 goals in just six matches. With Nyirenda struggling in the centre-back role, the technical team may be forced to improvise.
One option could be deploying defensive midfielder Nanison Mbewe in central defence. Mbewe, known for his physical presence and defensive discipline, could be used to counter the aerial threat of Bullets forward Babatunde Adepoju.
Wanderers have also recalled Felix Zulu to add stability to the spine of the team. Zulu impressed in midfield during their recent match against Silver Strikers, delivering a man-of-the-match performance alongside his double-pivot partner Blessings Singini. The duo dominated the midfield battle against the likes of Chimwemwe Idana, Uchizi Vunga, and Chikondi Kamanga.
With the Blantyre Derby looming and their defensive department stretched thin, Wanderers may be forced to dip into the market during the mid-season transfer window. Strengthening the central defence will be crucial if they are to complement their fluid midfield and attack — and mount a serious challenge for silverware this season, including a potential CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
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