Grudges from last season will be carried forward as the country’s football heavyweights Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers

 revive their rivalry this afternoon at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre to mark the 2022 season kick off.

With both sides eager to start the season on a clean slate, the most eagerly anticipated fixture promises fireworks.

On display will be plenty of talent from both sides after signing new players for the 2022 season.

Former Nyasa Big Bullets striker Chiukepo Msowoya will be facing his former club for the first time and will be out to prove he still has it in him despite being deemed as surplus to requirements.

Interestingly, Nigerian striker Babatunde Adepoje, who contrubited to the axing of Chiukepo at Bullets, will be on the opposite end also facing his former club.

Players to watch: Mwaungulu (L) and Msowoya

Having tormented Wanderers in the last Blantyre derby in the Airtel Top 8 where he single-handedly destroyed Wanderers after scoring four goals in the 4-1 victory, the question is can he do it again?

Bullets have assembled a young squad with mostly up-and-coming players such as goalkeeper Clever Nkungula, Kesten Simbi, Thomson Magombo, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Yankho Singo and impressive Patrick Mwaungulu, who are eager to prove their clout.

It will be up to coach Callisto Pasuwa to fuse these youngsters with experienced Chimwemwe Idana, Hadji Wali, Henry Kabichi, Misheck Seleman, Babatunde, Precious Sambani, Righteous Banda and Gomezgani Chirwa.

But the coach hinted that he would throw the youngsters into the deep end.

Pasuwa said: “We want them no know what it is like to play in a derby. But we are not putting too much pressure on them. They need time.”

He, however, acknowledged that Wanderers will be tough.

“Wanderers are an experienced side and physical in their stature. Any result that comes we will accept it. A draw, a win or a loss. We expect those

 three results.”

Wanderers on the other hand have an experienced squad of seasoned campaigners not new when it comes to the Blantyre Derby such as Stanley Sanudi, Alfred Manyozo, Peter Cholopi, Felix Zulu, Bongani Kaipa, Vincent Nyangulu, Yamikiani Chester and William Thole.

Coach Eddington Ng’onamo also has new signings Miracle Gabeya, Muhammad Sulumba, Adeleke Kalawole, Bakilinho Mwakanyango—all available for selection.

Having just joined the Nomads technical panel as technical director, Ng’onamo will mostly look up to his assistant coach Joseph Kamwendo, who has starred in the derby scores of time, but will be on the technical bench for the first time.

Kamwendo said he was excited and that the Nomads were ready for the derby.

He said: “The Blantyre derby is also an exciting fixture. As Nomads, we are ready for them [Bullets]. We have been working hard in preparation for the 2022 season starting with this opening fixture.”

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