TNM Super League: ‘There is only one Blantyre Derby’ – Mponda

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ coach Peter Mponda has dismissed assertions that Wednesday’s TNM Super League game against Ekhaya FC is a Blantyre Derby.

In a pre-match media briefing, the former Malawi captain insisted that it is only his team’s meeting with cross-town rivals Mighty Wanderers that qualifies to be called a derby of the commercial capital.

“No, I don’t think so,” Mponda said when asked if Wednesday’s game is a Blantyre derby. “We only have one derby in Malawi—and that is Bullets versus Wanderers. The media may call this a derby to hype the game, but to me, there is only one derby.”

Nonetheless, the 2024 Super League-winning coach acknowledged the newcomers’ impressive start to life in the 16-member league. Ekhaya FC were formed a few years ago and earned promotion to the top-flight league last season.

“They are playing well and are coached by a very good coach in Enos Chatama. His young players are energetic and organised. They don’t concede much, and while they don’t score a lot, they play smart football for a newly promoted team. They know what they are doing,” the Bullets coach explained.

The record 17-time Super League winner will face the rookies for the first time in the elite league, with the giants taking on opponents managed by former Bullets youth team coach Chatama.

Chatama and Mponda are held in high esteem at Bullets. Most Ekhaya players, including wingback Alick Lungu, signed from Bullets.

Furthermore, Chatama commands respect in the Bullets family having groomed most of the senior team players while in charge of Bullets reserves. On the other hand, Mponda is ranked amongst the greatest players ever for the People’s Team.

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