Head Coach for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Kalisto Pasuwa has said his team is hoping for the best when they play against five-time CAF Champions, TP Mazembe from Democratic Republic of Congo in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League at Bingu National Stadium on Sunday.
Bullets proceeded to play Mazembe after eliminating Dragon FC from Equatorial Guinea 3-0 on aggregate, a fit last achieved by the team in 2015.
Pasuwa hinted that going past the first round is a motivating factor in itself and has urged the team to continue fighting.
The Bullets Gaffer, explained the complexity of excelling in the CAF champions league, making mention of the financial aspect required, the quality of players be it from Africa and Europe as well as the tactical mentality a thing which most local clubs and teams in Africa luck.
He highlighted that the squad is in high spirits and insisted that such games have a mental dynamic attached which makes them less obvious with teams needing to give 100 per cent in order to excel.
“We have been talking to our boys that they can make history since they are a quality side we are working with,” he said.
Pasuwa admitted that he is aware of their opponent’s experience and has remained optimistic in giving their Malawians supporters a positive result.
“Tp Mazembe have a very good tactical awareness, they are big in stature, they are also good in free kicks and can punish you from corners,” said Pasuwa.
Making a return from injury Bullets Captain Precious Sambani said the morale in the dressing room is high and has urged supporters to believe in them.
Meanwhile Coach for TP Mazembe, Lamine Ndiaye reiterated that there are no small teams in the Champions league and expects a tough match from Bullets.
“It will be a big game, my players know what to do and of course Bullets won against Dragon FC which means we must take them seriously.”
“I want a good game tomorrow as well as to finish well at home during the reverse fixture because both the home and the away fixture are important,” Ndiaye explained.
The Ravens who have a 100 per cent winning record in the Vodacom Ligue 1 after gaining 9 points from three games have travelled to Lilongwe with a squad of 22 players.
While Bullet’s Sambani, Stanley Biliat Patrick Mwaungulu and Hassan Kajoke have recuperated from injuries, Blessings Mpokera, Peter Banda and Maxwell Phodo have recently been sidelined due to injuries.
