A fierce battle is expected this afternoon as high-flying TNM Super League leaders Silver Strikers and third-placed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers clash at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.

The fixture could not have come at a better time than this afternoon when both sides are enjoying a rich vein of form.

Silver Strikers (in sky blue) in action against Wanderers

Both sides are yet to taste defeat as the league enters week seven, having only dropped points in stalemates.

The Bankers, who have 16 points from six matches, were held by Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos while third-placed Nomads, who have 12 points from six games as well, dropped points in draws against rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets, Kamuzu Barracks and Bangwe All Stars.

Apart from the slip against Dedza, the Peter Mponda-led Bankers have bagged points at will, sweeping aside Chitipa United, Bangwe All Stars, Mafco, Baka City and Creck Sporting Club.

In all these matches, the Bankers scored not less than two goals, their highest scoring match being a 5-0 walloping of scrappy Mafco.

Key to the Bankers’ fine form is veteran Binwell Katinji, Aidel Kaduya, Uchizi Vunga who have been Mponda’s favourites in attack as they combine well with Zebron Kalmia, Chimwemwe Idana and captain Chikondi Kamanga in the middle of the park while the return of left back Tatenda M’balaka has also added fluidity.

With Nixon Mwase and Maxwell Paipi in top form, the Bankers have sealed all loopholes at the back having conceded just three.

On the other hand, the Nomads have had mixed fortunes in this campaign as they have already dropped six points.

However, key to their success is the combination of rejuvenated Isaac Kaliati,  Blessings Singini , Gaddie Chirwa and Wisdom Mpinganjira.

Clement Nyondo who was given a chance to feature in the last match against Karonga United proved he deserves more game time as his lone goal became crucial for  the Nomads.

A rock solid defence of captain Lawrence Chaziya, Ahmadu Kung’unde, Stanley Sanudi and Silwimba has also made the Nomads difficult to penetrate.

Credit should also go to veteran goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa who keeps on getting better with time.

Chipuwa  has four clean sheets in five matches.

 This is why this afternoon’s encounter is difficult to tell which way it will go as both are hungry to maintain their mission in the title race.

Ironically, the two sides met at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Kamuzu Day and the Nomads won 1-0.

But fully-aware of the upcoming league encounter both sides featured fringe players in the encounter.

No wonder, Wanderers assistant coach Meck Mwase said their victory on the Kamuzu Day match has no impact on this afternoon’s match.

He said:  “As you know, we just played them recently although it was a Kamuzu Cup. But this is a different game all together. We have to work hard to win and collect that three important points. I know it will be a hard one since it’s away.

“It’s a game that needs no introduction both to us as the technical panel as well as the players. Everybody knows how important this game is. I think we are very much well prepared and looking forward to the game tomorrow.”

On his part, Mponda said the Bankers do not need extra motivation as they are aware of the importance of collecting maximum points.

He said: “The boys are geared. They know the importance of this game. It’s very easy to motivate the players when we are playing teams like Wanderers or Bullets.”

However, the former Bullets assistant coach said the results of the match will not determine which way the title will sway this season.

A win for the Bankers will take them to 19 points while a win for the Nomads will take them to 15 points.

The post Big test for Silver,  Mighty Wanderers first appeared on Nation Online.

The post Big test for Silver,  Mighty Wanderers appeared first on Nation Online.