TNM Super League newcomers Ekhaya FC will face their biggest challenge yet as they take on record league champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in their first-ever league meeting at Kamuzu Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Ekhaya, who sit third on the log with 20 points from 10 games, have defied expectations in their debut season.
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Despite being labelled underdogs, the cowboys have consistently shown grit and maturity, qualities head coach Enos Chatama believes stem from the team’s steady development plan.
“When we joined the league, nobody gave us a chance. But look where we are today, third on the table. We are still a very young team, just two and a half years old, but the boys are progressing well. It’s a process, and we’re moving in the right direction,” said Chatama.
Acknowledging the stature of their midweek opponents, Chatama remained realistic but optimistic.
Chatama said the game will offer a valuable test of the team’s depth and character.
“Bullets are a big team. They’ve been around since 1967. We’re building something that, by 2027, will be able to challenge clubs like Bullets, Wanderers, and Silver. For now, our focus is survival, growth, and learning.
“Even if the result doesn’t go our way, this match won’t define us. We want to use it to assess our progress and give our boys experience on the big stage,” he added.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets coach Peter Mponda, whose side leads the table with 24 points from nine games, acknowledged the threat posed by Ekhaya.
“They are doing very well and playing with confidence. You can tell they are well-coached and organized. Defensively, they are solid, and though they’re not high scorers, they are playing smart football,” said Mponda.
Mponda added that Bullets are approaching the game with full focus, knowing Ekhaya cannot be underestimated.
“They are a team playing without pressure, and that makes them dangerous. We expect a difficult game,” he added.
Elsewhere, Kamuzu Barracks hosts Civo Service Club at Champion stadium, and Creck Sporting faces defending champions Silver Strikers at Aubrey Dimba stadium in Mchinji, while struggling Songwe Border United faces Mighty Wanderers.
