Straight from a 2-week Hollywood Bet COSAFA Cup break, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC will be welcoming second placed Silver Strikers FC at Kamuzu Stadium on Thursday. The two sides were both granted match exemption requests by the Super League of Malawi having contributed four players to the Senior Malawi National Team at the just ended tournament in South Africa.

Currently lying fifth in the standings, the Nomads will be looking forward to increase their tally to 22 points from 19 having played eleven games, two short of league leaders Nyasa Big Bullets who are currently at 26 points. On the other hand, Silver Strikers have played the similar number of games, recording 25 points and remain the only unbeaten side in the league.

Head-to-Head

Wanderers FC has won twice, shared spoils twice and lost once in their last five encounters against the Lilongwe based outfit. In the previous season, the Lali Lubani Boys lost to the Central Bank’s sponsored side 1-2 in Lilongwe before edging them 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium.

Previous results

Before the Hollywood Bet COSAFA Cup break, The home team played a barren game against their arch rivals Nyasa Big Bullets FC at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre. Before this match, the Mukuru Boys were held to a one-all draw by Dedza Dynamos FC on the same venue.

The visitors are coming from a 0-0 draw against Chitipa United at Civil Stadium in Lilongwe. A week earlier, they defeated Karonga United by 4-0 margin at their (Silver’s) backyard.

Men to Watch

The Bankers will be banking their hopes on their midfield kingpin Chimwemwe Idana who will be returning to Kamuzu Stadium for the first time since leaving Nyasa Big Bullets FC. Two goal hero during Silver’s game against Karonga United, Patrick Macheso could also be under microscope besides other stars like Captain Chikondi Kamanga, Tatenda M’balaka and the seven clean sheets hero, Charles Thom.

On the other hand, Christopher Kumwembe who has currently bagged seven goals in the campaign will once again be under the spotlight together with attacker Gaddie Chirwa. Enterprising Wisdom Mpinganjira who won the Man of the Match accolade during the Blantyre derby carries hope for the Mark Harrison men in terms of attack.

Squad update

Gaffer Mark Harrison will miss the services of his Captain Stanley Sanudi and Isaac Kaliati who are both suspended. Mphatso Kamanga is still nursing injury together with the Nigerian sweeper, Adeleke Kolawole who has just rejoined the squad. Baliko Balikinho Mwakanyango who has been undergoing assessment at the Club for the last one month could also make the grade on Thursday.

A word from Mark Harrison

The Briton spoke to the Club media ahead of the Sunday Thursday class. Said Harrison; “We are up to the challenge and I have told the boys to perform. It’s hectic fourteen days coming ahead with six games to play, pressure is inevitable but we must work hard”.

Who gets the maximum points on Thursday? We will be on the lookout as Referee Mayamiko Kanjere invites the two sides to a showdown on Sunday from 2:30pm at Kamuzu Stadium

©MMWFC MEDIA

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