Grudge match: Blackpool rekindle Nomads’bitter first round encounter
by Mphatso Malidadi - Saturday, November 15, 2008 - 11:06:26

Revived MTL Wanderers will be seeking to revenge their first round downfall to Blackpool when the two clash tomorrow at Zomba Community Centre.

Blackpool caused mayhem and grief in Wanderers camp after beating the Lali Lubani Road side 1-0 at MDC Stadium in the first round but debutants are now relegation threatened.

Nomads’ flamboyant vice-chairman James Chuma conceded that it was painful defeat they suffered to Blackpool.

“This time we need not to go flat out and destroy the team. We can’t afford to donate points any more,” said the Wanderers guru.

It is a difficult match for Blackpool, who want to escape relegation. Blackpool seems to be treading in a safer zone as they are lying on position 11 with 23 points from 24 games.
Wanderers mentor Yasin Osman said they are set to show Blackpool where they belong.

“If they defeated us before, what can stop them from defeating us again? We will take them head on,” Osman said.

The former Nomads and Flames player has not lost a match since he took over the reigns at Wanderers following the sudden resignation of Zimbabwean Rahman Gumbo.

Wanderers, who are on fifth position with 38 points from 24 games, are playing exciting football and they are able to change formations at anytime to molest Blackpool.

One of Blackpool’s technical member McDonald Mtetemera said they were set to repeat the feat.

“Having defeated them in the first round what will stop us from doing it again,” Mtetemera said. “That time we beat them when most players were not in shape but this time around the team is in condition.”

Blackpool’s striker Roland Zulu and former Wanderers player Edson Nankhuni have the venom to spit at Nomads’ goal minder Simplex Nthala.

In another crucial game, Blue Eagles, who have found themselves on the wrong side of the table, have a grudge to settle against their juniors Eagle Beaks.

The young cops pounced Blue Eagles 2-1 during the first round.

Blue Eagles secretary Mike Chona said their coach Grey Chimphepo was solving some problems that were contributing to the team’s poor run.

“We need to get away from this zone quickly to avoid unnecessary pressure. We hope to beat Beaks to be on the safer side,” Chona said.

Blue Eagles are on position 12 with 23 points from 22 games while Eagle Beaks have 34 points from the same number of games but the young cops are lying on eighth position on the log table.

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