Epic battle as Silver host EPAC: Malawi TNM Super League
This Saturday’s Lilongwe derby between league leaders Silver Strikers and Epac United scheduled for Silver Stadium could just be one more wave of hand of fate before the destination of the 2012/2013 TNM Super League title is finally decided.
It is a clash one cannot afford to miss as the bankers aim to cling to their pole position and in effect defend the title while ‘Njenjete’ are also aspiring to end the season on a respectable position.
Since Franco Ndau took over as head coach, the defending champions have managed to produce a much more open and attacking style of play.
Thus, their more expressive way of playing has resulted in scoring the most goals with players such as midfielder Harvey Mkacha being allowed to dazzle in the wings and attack with complete freedom.
Silver assistant coach, Hellings Mwakasungula, told Nyasa Times in an interview, the team was ready to show Epac what Blantyre United saw a week ago.
“Our pace is something that has worked excellently for us. We’ve been using our advantages very well,” he said.
The former Silver and Flames holding midfielder also observed the players had been responding well and working hard during training.
“If we can keep the ball better than their midfield then I am sure we will come through again,” he said.
But Epac United trainer, Abas Makawa, is mindful of the fact that they lost the first round clash and would not want to see a reoccurrence.
He said his team would stick to the defensive and attacking basics because they appreciate their opponent’s playing style.
“They move it quickly and try to get down in the wings. I will just tell my players to keep it tight. So we’ll stick to defensive and attacking basics by pushing out as a unit, communicating with each other and not holding onto the ball in dangerous areas.
“The thing with Silver is that they do move the ball very quickly and Frank Banda is very important to them in their game plan. We will have to watch out for him as well.
“Of course they like get wingers involved and stopping the supply could also be ok. Though, I cannot really ask much more than stick to the basics and believe in ourselves,” he said.
Mkacha said their remaining matches were games of the players’ lives and they are not looking at anything less than a win.
“I’m not really looking at who is playing for them or who is playing for us, that doesn’t matter. It’s all about the game and winning,” said the bankers midfielder.
But Epac’s left back Dalitso Mwase said he hoped he would deal with the pressure from Silver despite their quick pace.
“Pressing them and putting them under pressure would be nice. I hope I can deal with the pressure they bring. It’s all about mental strength as well,” he said.
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