Depleted Bullets downplay missing 6

Nyasa Big Bullets say missing six players in the Airtel Top 8 semi-final against rivals Be Forward Wanderers will not have a significant impact on the team’s performance.

The rivals clash at Bingu National Stadium tomorrow with the Bullets back four hugely depleted due to injuries.

They will be without defenders Pilirani Zonda, Emmanuel Zoya, Yamikani Fodya and Sankhani Mkandawire.

In their absence, the People’s Team have relied on Bashir Maunde, Miracle Gabeya and captain John Lanjesi.

Mussa Manyenje and Dave Banda have also been ruled out due to long-term injuries.

But assistant coach Eliah Kananji downplayed the situation, saying it was no cause for alarm.

“There is a reason why we register 25 players. In case of others being injured, the others step in to do the job,”  he said.

Wanderers also have a share of their own problems ahead of the high-profile semi-final.

The Nomads are coming from a 1-0 loss to Red Lions in the league that has left the Lali Lubani Road searching for answers to their dip in form.

But team manager Stevie Madeira has warned Bullets that despite the Nomads going through a patch, they are capable of stunning them.

“I have always said that even when a lion is drenched it does not mean it becomes a cat. It is still a lion and it can still destroy you,” he said.

The winner in tomorrow semi-final dates Blue Eagles in the final. n