Bullets Coach Mponda: "Everything is Looking Good" Ahead of Top 8 Cup Final against Silver Strikers
Mponda Speaks on Preparations, Motivation, and Tactics
Bullets head coach Peter Mponda addressed the media on Friday afternoon, providing an insight into his team's preparations for the highly anticipated 2025 Airtel Top 8 Cup final against Silver Strikers at Bingu National Stadium on Sunday.The gaffer expressed his satisfaction with the team's progress during the week, stating that "it has been a very good week in terms of preparing for the game. We have no excuses—we've done our work both psychologically and on the training pitch."
Mponda confirmed that all players are available and ready for selection, adding that "as a coach, that gives me a positive headache."
Bullets Players Motivated by Final Appearance
The coach emphasized that just being in the final is enough motivation for the players. He stated that "the boys have worked hard to get here, and I don't think they would want to let this opportunity slip away."Mponda acknowledged the significance of the final and the pressure that comes with it, but expressed confidence that his team is ready for the challenge.
Bullets and Silver Strikers: A Tale of Two Squads
The coach acknowledged that Silver Strikers have had a more settled squad, with only Chimwemwe Idana having left. In contrast, Bullets have been rebuilding, losing several key players."Of course, we're still getting results and playing good football, but we're not quite where we want to be yet," Mponda admitted. "That said, I'm proud of the team and how they've been performing."
Striking the Right Balance
Mponda outlined his tactical plans for the final, stating that "it's our aim to finish the game within 90 minutes." He emphasized the importance of striking the right balance between attacking and defending, adding that "penalties are a lottery—we want to win it in regulation time."Starting Lineup Determined by Effort and Work Rate
The coach emphasized that the starting lineup is determined by players' effort, work rate, and intelligence in training. He stated that "those who show they want it more in training are the ones who earn a spot."Facing Former Club in the Final
Mponda also addressed the prospect of facing his former club in the final, expressing his pride in how the team has progressed since he took over. He stated that "it feels good. I'm happy with how we've progressed since I took over."The coach is determined to change the outcome of last year's final loss, stating that "I want to take the cup back to Blantyre."
Handling Pressure at Bullets
Mponda addressed the issue of handling pressure at Bullets, stating that "Yes, Bullets have been winning almost everything, and the numbers speak for themselves. But what's more important is that we have players who understand what it means to wear this badge."He expressed his pride in the team's ability to handle the pressure that comes with playing for the biggest club in Malawi.
Valuable Lessons Learned from Loss to Civil
Mponda acknowledged that the team has learned valuable lessons from their loss to Civil in the previous final, but emphasized that the focus is on the present and the opportunity to win the trophy and take it to Blantyre.The coach expressed his confidence in the team's ability to perform and stated that "they don't need extra motivation—from the coaches or anyone else. They're hungry to win."
With the final just days away, Bullets fans can look forward to a thrilling encounter against Silver Strikers at Bingu National Stadium. The team is determined to bring the trophy back to Blantyre and continue their impressive run of form.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Airtel Top 8 Cup final between Bullets and Silver Strikers.
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Summary: In a pre-match press conference, Airtel Top 8 Cup finalist Peter Mponda discussed his team's preparations, motivation, tactical approach, and handling pressure as the coach of the country's most successful club. Mponda highlighted that his team has no excuses for not being fully prepared, with all players available and ready for selection. He emphasized that just being in the final is enough motivation for the players, who understand the significance of the match and the pressure that comes with it. Mponda acknowledged that Silver Strikers are favorites due to their more settled squad, but expressed confidence in his team's ability to strike a balance between attacking and defending. He also emphasized the importance of earning a starting spot through effort and work rate, rather than being guaranteed a spot in the lineup. Mponda addressed his experience facing his former club in the final, noting that he is proud of how his team has progressed since he took over and is determined to change the outcome of last year's final. Finally, he emphasized that his team has learned valuable lessons from their loss to Civil in the previous final, but is focused on the present and hungry to win the trophy and take it to Blantyre.
