BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach, Peter Mponda, has expressed disappointment over the behavior of some fans who have been verbally abusing players following the team’s 3-0 defeat to rivals Mighty Wanderers last Sunday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Mponda said it was unfortunate that instead of supporting the players in difficult times, some supporters resorted to insults and criticism on social media and in public spaces, which he said only lowers the morale of the squad.
“These are the same players we celebrate when we win. If we insult them today, who will we expect to perform for us tomorrow? If there’s anyone to blame, it should be me because I’m the one who selects the lineup,” Mponda said during a press briefing on Wednesday.
The coach further expressed surprise that some fans want to dictate how he should manage the team. He insisted that team selection is based on daily training performance, not popularity or emotions.
“Some people think they can choose the squad for me. But do they train with these players? Do they know who’s fit and who’s not? I see them every day I know their condition, their attitude and their readiness,” Mponda emphasized.
Following the loss, Bullets have been under pressure with many questioning the team’s form this season after several inconsistent performances.
However, Mponda has assured fans that the squad is working hard in training ahead of this Sunday’s crucial FDH Bank Cup fixture again against Mighty Wanderers at the same venue.
He called on supporters to rally behind the team, especially at a time when confidence needs to be rebuilt.
“This is the moment we need unity and encouragement. The players are giving their best in training and I’m confident we’ll bounce back stronger in the next game,” he added.
Meanwhile, the upcoming clash is expected to draw a massive crowd as it offers Bullets a chance for redemption while Wanderers will be eager to maintain their dominance after last weekend’s convincing win.
The two Blantyre giants have met two times this season with Wanderers now having a psychological edge something Mponda will be keen to overturn as he seeks to restore pride among Bullets fans.
The post Mponda disappointed with fans’ negative reactions after defeat to Wanderers appeared first on The Maravi Post.