Pasuwa: We have to prepare everything for us to collect points

Zimbabwean Coach, Kalisto Pasuwa has asked his charges to forget about the shocking defeat to Chitipa United and focus on their game against Ekwendeni Hammers as they are looking to bounce back to the winning ways.

Speaking to journalists in Blantyre, the Great Kali said for them to be seen as the Champions, they need to accept the defeat in Karonga and prepare for everything to collect maximum points over Hammers on Saturday.

“We lost in Karonga [against Chitipa United], so we have to prepare everything for us to collect points [against Ekwendeni Hammers]. That’s how you react after any loss that one can be seen as the Champion.” He said.

Bullets dropped to second position after losing 1-0 to Chitipa United in Karonga as Silver Strikers put a strong performance to get better of their city rivals, Kamuzu Barracks to go top of the table.

Pasuwa said his boys needs to refrain from complacency and anyone needs to be on top of his game if they are to retain the league championship.

“In our camp, we need everyone to be on top of his game [in order] for us to retain the championship. As you have seen that it’s going to be very tough this year.

“I am one person who will be advising my boys not to underrate any team. Every team that we meet will give us tough time. There is no game that we can say that this one is easy,” he added.

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Silver Strikers and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers are on neck-to-neck chasing the championship this season with only point separating the three teams.

Silver Strikers Head Coach, Pieter De Jongh said on Thursday that no team outside the three top teams will win the league.

However, Pasuwa said Chitipa can also be in the said category if they continue with the pace that they have currently.

“He [De Jongh] is yet to know Malawian Football [because] he has been here [in Malawi] for three to four months. It’s how he thinks.

“If it was me, I would be comfortable talking about that, but him, who just came three months ago?

“You have seen how Chitipa United are playing. If they continue performing as they did against us, they can be one of the contenders of the league,” added Pasuwa.

On his part, Ekwendeni Hammers Assistant Coach, Luckson Mwauluka said his side will try to create problems for the hosts.

Lucky said Hammers are aware of the support, confidence that Bullets usually have when playing at Kamuzu Stadium, but they will try to exploit the available spaces in order to hand the hosts their second defeat of the season.

“We want to create problems for them,” he told the media team.

Hammers are on a three-game winning streak after beating Mafco FC, Chitipa FC and Mighty Waka Waka Tigers and they are hopeful that a win at Kamuzu Stadium is possible.

The people’s team have lost just one game at home under Kalisto Pasuwa’s titulage.

He said, “We will try to exploit the space available to create problems for the team that has never lost for a while at home.

“This season’s Bullets’ idea is clear. They don’t rely so much on ball possession and control, but alternate speed and pace to get out on the wings as quickly as possible, leaving those in the middle unmarked. They are strong on crosses and set-pieces in general. They move well after winning the ball back in midfield.

“And it’s not true that Bullets don’t have any weakness. Far from it. But defending very well and counter-attacking is their rare quality, thanks to their fans they can press hard and put anyone in difficulty.”

However, differential coach said Kalisto Pasuwa is now a good example for all the coaches for the achievements that he has done with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.

“I want to pay my compliments to Pasuwa. He’s always been an added value for the local coaches and is now an example for us all.