By Nyasa Big Bullets Media
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Wedson Nyirenda says his players are eager to make amends when they face Ekhaya FC in Sunday’s FDH Bank Premiership clash following their painful Airtel Top 8 elimination.
The People’s Team return to Mpira Stadium just days after seeing their cup campaign ended by Ekhaya in a penalty shootout, a defeat that Nyirenda believes has fuelled his squad’s determination rather than denting their confidence.
“The Airtel Top 8 elimination was very painful for us, and you can see the hunger and determination in the players during training,” Nyirenda told the club’s media team.
“They want to put things right and change the narrative. We drew against Ekhaya at Bingu Stadium earlier, and in the return leg we were close to turning the tie around before losing on penalties.
“That defeat hurt because we felt we had given ourselves a chance to progress. You can see the disappointment and anger in the players, but it has also motivated them. They are focused, looking sharp in training and eager to make a positive response on Sunday.”
With their cup hopes now over, Nyirenda says his side has shifted its full focus to the Premiership, stressing that success in the league requires consistency over a long campaign.
“We just have to concentrate on the league for now. The league is different from cup competitions because it’s a marathon, not a sprint. You can win matches today, lose matches tomorrow, and still recover if you remain focused and committed,” he said.
“What is important for us is to maintain the momentum we have built. We have done very well in our last three games, which has taken us to the top of the table, and we want to keep that run going. The objective is to continue performing the way we have been and collect as many points as possible.”
Sunday’s fixture offers Bullets an immediate chance to respond to last weekend’s disappointment while strengthening their position in the Premiership title race. The former champions are second on the table with 19 points from nine matches, level with leaders Blue Eagles, who sit top only on goal difference. A victory over Ekhaya would not only avenge their recent cup exit but could also see Bullets continue their impressive league momentum.
