By Rahim Abdul
Mighty Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira has warned his players against underestimating Ekhaya FC ahead of the two sides’ FDH Bank Premiership clash scheduled for Saturday at Mpira Stadium, describing the encounter as one that has never been easy.
The Nomads mentor said previous meetings between the two teams have always been competitive and expects another tough contest despite his side sitting at the summit of the league standings with 13 points, level with Silver Strikers and Blue Eagles.
Mpinganjira said Ekhaya have shown signs of improvement this season and deserve respect, insisting that his charges will have to work hard to secure maximum points.
He said his technical panel is not putting unnecessary pressure on the players to win but is instead encouraging them to remain calm, stick to their style of play and allow the result to come naturally.
Last season, Mighty Wanderers completed a league double over Ekhaya, winning both fixtures by a solitary goal, a record that gives the Lali Lubani Road outfit confidence heading into the latest encounter.
However, Mpinganjira disclosed that midfielder Alex Kambirinya and defender Lameck Mithi remain doubtful for the match after failing to complete preparations with the rest of the squad.
The coach said the club’s medical team will make a final assessment before deciding whether the two players will be available for selection.
Meanwhile, Ekhaya coach Enos Chatama has vowed to provide Wanderers with their toughest test of the season, saying the Nomads have not yet faced a challenge similar to the one his side is capable of presenting.
Chatama said his team played Wanderers twice last season without scoring a goal and is determined to rewrite that record when the two teams meet this weekend.
Although he acknowledged the pedigree of traditional giants Wanderers, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Silver Strikers, Chatama said Ekhaya’s focus remains on working hard and maintaining consistency. Ekhaya are currently fifth on the FDH Bank Premiership table with 10 points.
