Black Mambas' Peter Mponda: "We're in a Good Place" Ahead of Dedza Dynamos Clash at Kamuzu Stadium
Head coach of TNM Super League leaders, Black Mambas, Peter Mponda, addressed the media ahead of this Saturday's clash against Dedza Dynamos at Kamuzu Stadium. Mponda shared his insights on the team's preparations, player updates, new recruits, and expectations for the upcoming game.
Bouncing Back After International Break
Mponda acknowledged that the players were in good shape after the international break and excited to be back in competitive football. However, the international break came at an unfortunate time when the team was gaining momentum. He added that the team performed exceptionally well in a friendly match during the break, maintaining their momentum and keeping their spirits high.
Performance Against Karonga: A Mixed Bag
The coach was pleased with the team's performance in their last home game against Karonga, which saw them dominate play and create numerous chances. However, they were disappointed with the result, which ended in a 3-3 draw. Mponda believed that the team's performance was the best since he arrived as head coach. Despite the setback, the team remained focused on collecting points, especially at home, to keep fighting for the championship.
Pressure at Home: A Myth
Mponda dismissed the notion that pressure at home was a factor in the team's dropped points at Kamuzu Stadium. Instead, he attributed it to the team's strong away form, which had pushed them to perform better at home. The team was currently topping the table with 40 points after 17 games, and Mponda was confident that they were in a good place.
Giving the Home Fans a Result
Although Mponda did not want to talk about the fans, he emphasized the importance of collecting points at home to keep fighting for the championship. He believed that the team's focus should be on delivering results for the fans, who have been supportive throughout the season.
Player Updates: Salima Returns, Singo Still Out
Mponda confirmed that midfielder Yankho Singo was still out due to illness. However, midfielder Chikumbutso Salima was back in training and fit, and was in contention for a place in the starting eleven. Salima was a crucial player for the team, and Mponda was glad to have him back.
New Recruits: Chilipa Impresses in Training
Mponda also addressed the impact of new signings Khumbo Banda, Bright Munthali, and Aaron Chilipa on the team. He highlighted the importance of continuously improving the squad and was pleased with the performance of Chilipa in training. Chilipa, who had impressed in training, was fit to feature in the upcoming game, with the team planning to ease him in gradually.
Expectations Against Dedza Dynamos
Mponda acknowledged that Dedza Dynamos were a strong team and had taken points from Kamuzu Stadium before. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming game and the team's determination to maintain their position at the top of the table. With the team currently topping the table, Mponda and his team were focused on opening up a lead and continuing their momentum throughout the season.
Black Mambas will face Dedza Dynamos at Kamuzu Stadium this Saturday, 13 September 2025, with a kick-off time of 14:30 CAT. The team will be looking to deliver a positive result for their home fans and continue their push for the championship.
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Summary: In a recent press conference, TNM Super League side Black Mambas' head coach Peter Mponda shared updates on the team's preparations ahead of their return to action this Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium. Mponda discussed the team's level of preparedness after the international break, the return of mid-season recruits Khumbo Banda, Bright Munthali, and Aaron Chilipa, and expectations against Dedza Dynamos. On the team's preparedness, Mponda stated that the players are fit and excited to be back in competitive football, despite the disruption caused by the international break. He also highlighted the team's good performance in a friendly match played during the break, which helped to maintain momentum. Mponda also discussed the team's away form, which has been strong, and attributed the dropped points at home to pressure. He emphasized that the team is focused on collecting points, especially at home, to keep fighting for the championship. Regarding the availability of players, Mponda confirmed that midfielder Yankho Singo is still out due to illness, while midfielder Chikumbutso Salima is back training and fit, and is in contention for a place in the starting eleven. Mponda also addressed the impact of new signings Banda, Munthali
