Coaches for the three TNM Super League title contenders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Mighty Wanderers and Silver Strikers have admitted that the race is now too close to call where any slip-up could prove fatal. But in separate interviews yesterday, Bullets gaffer Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda, his Nomads and Bankers’ counterparts, Bob Mpinganjira and Peter ‘Shoes’ Mgangira, respectively, said be that as it may, they are not under pressure and will take each game as it comes. They also admitted that as it stands, none is a favourite.
Bullets and Wanderers’ losses to Creck Sporting Club and Mzuzu City Hammers, respectively, have reignited the Bankers’ hopes of defending the title. In an interview, Mponda said: “I don’t think there is pressure per se. But we’ll have to go all out to remain in contention because as it is, all the top three teams have more or less equal chances of winning the league.
“We know we haven’t been at our best, but we have been hanging on and that makes us believe that we can win this thing.” He also said the Nomads’ slip-up against Hammers gave them some relief, especially coming after Bullets’ 2-0 loss to Creck Sporting. “It gives everyone the belief that we should keep fighting,” said Mponda. On his part, Mpinganjira also said the title chase is now wide open for the top three.
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He said: “It has reached a very crucial stage. But we are not under any pressure because we do not want to be affected by what is happening or is being said elsewhere. “Of course, we lost for the first time mid-week, but it’s not the end of the world and we do not want that to create unnecessary pressure on us.
“We will remain focused and take each game as it comes knowing that if we do well in our remaining five matches, we can achieve our goal. We will work hard in the remaining five games and see what happens.” On the other hand, Mgangira said their title hopes have been revived following slips by fellow contenders. He said: “As it stands, the race appears very tight and any of the three teams can win it.
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