BB want Chilapondwa to bounce back

Eight months after his retirement from active football, former Nyasa Big Bullets midfielder James ‘Terminator’ Chilapondwa might bounce back to action at Bullets when the second round of the TNM Super League kicks off next month.

Chilapondwa, who turns 36 next month, yesterday confirmed being approached by some of the club’s executive and supporters’ committee members to make a comeback and help the injury-plagued team up to the end of the season.

“Yes, I was approached on the matter but I have to consult my family before I can make a decision to retire from retirement,” said Chilapondwa, who hang his boots in December last year after a 14-year playing career.

Bullets Main Supporters Committee chairperson Stone Mwamadi yesterday confirmed that they want Chilapondwa to strengthen the midfield at this period when they have lost most of their key players due to injuries.

“We need him to play the holding midfield role as we are searching for other players. Chilapondwa quit football, but he still has the energy to play. He loves the team so much and we do not think he will turn down the offer,” Mwamadi said.

Bullets general secretary Kelvin Moyo also confirmed that some executive committee members had a ‘special chat’ with the player.

“However, this does not mean we have already made a decision because it is the technical panel which will have  final say,” he said.

Presently, according to Moyo, four of Bullets key players, namely, John Lanjesi, Chikondi Likwemba, Pilirani Zonda and Bashir Maunde, are nursing injuries.

Chilapondwa last played for Bullets on December 27 during a Super League match against hosts Civo United in Lilongwe. Bullets won the match 3-1.

He first joined Bullets in 2001 and played for the team until 2006 when he joined Tanzanian outfit Young Africans for a few years. Upon his return home, the former Flames player had a stint with Escom United before rejoining Bullets in 2012.