Wanderers get boost as Chirwa, Mpinganjira start light training

Mighty Wanderers FC have received a significant boost ahead of their midweek TNM Super League fixture against Ekhaya FC, with defensive marshal Emmanuel Nyirenda declared fit for selection after recovering from injury.

The Nomads will host Ekhaya FC at Kamuzu Stadium on Wednesday looking to extend their lead at the top of the table and maintain their impressive recent form that has seen them establish themselves as genuine title contenders this season.

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Head Coach Bob Mpinganjira confirmed the positive team news during a press briefing in Blantyre, revealing that Nyirenda has fully recovered from the injury he sustained during last week’s commanding 3-0 victory over arch-rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.

“I can confirm that Emmanuel Nyirenda is back and is available for selection tomorrow [Wednesday],” Mpinganjira announced. “Gaddie [Chirwa] and Wisdom [Mpinganjira] have also returned, but they are doing light training. They will not be available as we face Ekhaya FC.”

While Nyirenda’s return provides a welcome defensive reinforcement, Mpinganjira will be patient with forward Gaddie Chirwa and attacking midfielder Wisdom Mpinganjira, both of whom are gradually working their way back to full fitness.

The Nomads gaffer will also welcome back attacking midfielder Rajab Nyirenda, who missed the recent FDH Bank Cup semifinal triumph against Bullets due to being cup-tied to Chitipa United for the duration of the FDH Bank tournament. His return adds another creative dimension to Wanderers’ attacking arsenal for the league campaign.

Mighty Wanderers head into Wednesday’s fixture on the back of an exceptional run of results that has transformed their season and reignited their championship ambitions. The Lali Lubani Boys have been in scintillating form, demonstrating both resilience and ruthlessness across multiple competitions.

Their recent performances have been nothing short of remarkable:

League Dominance: The Nomads defeated Blue Eagles 3-1 away at Nankhaka Stadium before recording a statement 3-0 demolition of traditional rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium. These victories have propelled them to the summit of the TNM Super League standings with 51 points from 21 games, establishing a crucial three-point cushion over their closest rivals.

Most recently, Wanderers secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Songwe Border FC at Kamuzu Stadium, demonstrating their ability to grind out results even when not at their free-flowing best.

Cup Glory: Perhaps their most significant recent achievement came in the FDH Bank Cup semifinals, where they eliminated their rivals Bullets 1-0 courtesy of Promise Kamwendo’s dramatic 88th-minute winner. The victory not only ended Bullets’ hopes of reaching a fourth consecutive final but also secured Wanderers’ place in the showpiece final as they pursue their first FDH Bank Cup title.

The journey to the semifinals itself demonstrated the team’s character, as they overcame Creck Sporting Club 3-2 on penalties following a goalless draw in a tense quarterfinal encounter at Dimba Stadium. Goalkeeper Dalitso Khungwa emerged as the hero, saving three penalties to send the Nomads through.

Wanderers’ current success is the culmination of a three-year rebuilding project that has seen the club methodically assemble a squad capable of competing for major honors. Unlike their rivals who have experienced significant player turnover, the Nomads have benefited from squad stability and continuity.

The team has found the perfect balance between experienced campaigners and emerging talents, with players like Emmanuel Nyirenda, Stanley Sanudi, and Lawrence Chaziya providing defensive solidity, while creative forces such as Promise Kamwendo, Blessings Singini, and Felix Zulu orchestrate attacks.

Despite their commanding position, Mpinganjira is taking nothing for granted as his side prepares to face sixth-placed Ekhaya FC. The veteran coach knows that every fixture in the title race carries significant weight.

“It will not be easy. Our opponents are coming from a draw; likely they will come hard on us,” Mpinganjira cautioned. “We are, however, ready for them, and we are hopeful for a positive outcome.”

Ekhaya FC have proven difficult opponents this season and will be determined to cause an upset against the league leaders. The visitors will look to capitalize on any complacency from the Nomads and exploit potential fatigue following Wanderers’ recent fixture congestion.

A victory on Wednesday would see Mighty Wanderers open a potentially decisive five-point gap at the top of the table with just 8 games remaining. Such an advantage would put significant psychological pressure on their title rivals, particularly FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, who are desperately trying to claw back ground after their recent setbacks when they visit Nankhaka on Thursday.