Wa Ganyu 

Former Silver Strikers and Jwaneng Galaxy coach Pieter De Jongh has backed Malawi’s Mighty Wanderers to get the better of Botswana’s Jwaneng when the two sides meet in the preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup tomorrow.

In an exclusive interview with Wa Ganyu Media House, De Jongh, now in charge of Zimbabwean giants Highlanders, urged the Nomads to focus on keeping a clean sheet at home in the first leg, which will be staged at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

“Wanderers must aim for a home clean sheet against Galaxy,” he said. “They do not like strong opponents who play with a lot of aggression. When an opponent plays strong in the duels, they fold.”

The Dutchman has insider knowledge of Galaxy, having managed them until his release towards the end of last season. He highlighted defensive weaknesses in the Botswana champions that Wanderers could exploit.

“At the back, their defenders can be slow and the keeper is very heavy. They are not at top fitness level,” De Jongh observed.

Despite Galaxy’s continental experience, De Jongh believes Wanderers can progress if they combine discipline with intensity.

“A strong result at home gives control. If Wanderers are compact defensively and aggressive in attack, they can cause Galaxy real problems,” he added.

The timing could not be better for the Nomads, who have enjoyed a strong first half of their domestic season. They currently sit just one point behind sworn rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the TNM Super League.

De Jongh, who retains a soft spot for Malawi after his stint with Silver Strikers, said he would be delighted to see Wanderers make a mark on the continental stage.

The Nomads will host Galaxy in the first leg at Bingu on Sunday, before travelling to Botswana for the decisive return fixture next week.

Wanderers last faced a Botswana side in the competition 27 years ago, when they triumphed thanks to the exploits of their now head coach, Bob Mpinganjira.