Litmus Test for Alex Ngwira as Wanderers Face ‘free flowing’ Bullets

The newly appointed Coach for Mighty Wanderers, Alex Ngwira will have to prove his worthy as the Nomads welcome the free flowing Nyasa Big Bullets in a grudge Blantyre Derby at Kamuzu Stadium.

This is going to be the first League game for the former Mzuzu Warriors and Chitipa United mentor leading Mighty Wanderers’ dressing room. He was appointed the Coach for the Club fortnight ago and he replaces Eddington Ng’onamo who was playing double role at the Club. Ng’onamo was working as the technical director and the acting Head Coach.

The reshuffle saw the then assistant coach, Joseph Kamwendo being demoted to the Reserve team while Albert Mpinganjira was named the assistant manager for Ngwira.

Ngwira was the incharge for Wanderers when they displayed a stellar performance against Dedza Dynamos last weekend in Dedza when they hammered and boot out the Salima Sugar sponsored Club.

But facing Nyasa Big Bullets who are unbeaten in 20 games in all competetions this season will be the real test for him as Wanderers are zealous to cut the gap with Blue Eagles who beat Tigers on Saturday by a goal to nill, courtesy of Schumacker Kuwali’s strike.

Yesterday’s victory took Eagles to 39 points from 18 games and they are 9 points adrift the league leaders, Nyasa Big Bullets who top the table with 48 points while Mighty Wanderers have 32 points from 17 games.

Since 2012, Mighty Wanderers have managed to scoop only one win over their fierce neighbours while Bullets have had a good run over their neighbours, with a record of 9 wins.

Bullets have been winning the bragging rights for several times and turn the Blantyre City into Red.

Their good management from the highly ranked positions to the technical panel is something that a certain would love to have in their team.

Last season, Wanderers ended their 9 years unwinning streak over Bullets as Vincent Nyangulu’s strike was enough to render the then Bob Mpinganjra”s boys a victory over Kalisto Pasuwa’s Boys.

After adding Alex Ngwira into their technical panel, Wanderers Secretary to the Board Humpreys Mvula said the reshuffle of the technical panel is the indication of their willingness to strive for the success of the Club as their last Silverware addition is dated back to 2018.

“He is a well experienced coach and we have confidence that he would deliver. Our ultimate goal is to strengthen the team on the pitch. We would like to have strong youth development structures for the team’s future,” said Mvula.

The coming of Ngira has seen Yamikani Chester, Vincent Nyangulu, Stanley Sanudi resurrect and up their game as witnessed in a game against Dedza Dynamos.

However, Facing Nyasa Big Bullets who have a tactical masterclass, and they are always on front foot to bag the bragging eights when the two teams meet in League will help people to define Ngwira’s pattern of play and his tactical aspects.

Under Eddington Ng’onamo, Mighty Wanderers suffered a 2-1 defeat to Bullets and the People’s team will look to complete the double over Wanderers for the first time since 2015.

Commenting on the Derby, Nyasa Big Bulllets assistant Coach, Peter Mponda while antipating a difficult game, said they have prepared for the game as they do with other games.

“All our players are available. It’s a difficult game as Wanderers are not fighting for anything. They don’t need these three points. It’s only pride at stake. It’s unfortunate that they have already started talking about referees,” said Mponda

Wanderers earlier this week penned the Super League of Malawi, demanding the change in the officiating team saying Gift Chiko and Assistant Referee Bernadetter Kwimbira failed to handle 2021’s Derby that was marred by violence.

Mponda said Wanderers’ act is just trying to intimidate the referee to handle the game and try to force him or her being on their side.

“They want to put psychological pressure on the referees. We need to focus on our preparations. Talking about referees won’t help anything it will only bring tension. We are ready.”

Wanderers public relations manager Ernest Maganga said they have the best squad in Malawi and they are geared to stop Bullets.

“We have the best squad on land. The morale is high in our camp as we prepare for the derby. All players are super fit with no injuries.

“We all remember that the last time we played Bullets, Wanderers had an upper hand. We displayed skills that our opponents couldn’t cope with. Officiating personnel spoiled the game.

“This time around it is our expectation that the rule of fair play must be respected. Otherwise we are ready to triumph and nothing less,” said Maganga.

Wanderers have already suffered three defeats to Nyasa Big Bullets, Kamuzu Barracks, and Silver Strikers this season while Bullets have dropped points in three occasions where they shared spoils with Blue Eagles, Karonga United and Kamuzu Barracks.

Elsewhere, Karonga United will be taking on Kamuzu Barracks who have failed to collect maximum points in their last three games at Civo Stadium.

Karonga United are coming from a 5-0 victory over the struggling Rookies, Rumphi United and they sit 8th with 23 points from 17 games.

Kamuzu Barracks sit 5th with 28 points from 17 games.

In Rumphi, Mafco will take on Rumphi United while TN Stars welcome Dedza Dynamos at Kasungu Stadium.