Four key players leave BB
The departure of four Nyasa Big Bullets players in search of greener pastures abroad has caused anxiety in Nyasa Big Bullets camp with the club’s acting general secretary (GS) Kelvin Moyo and technical director Billy Tewesa claiming they were not officially informed about the trip.
Defender John Lanjesi and striker Muhammad Sulumba are reported to have flown out to South Africa yesterday afternoon for trials at Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Polokwane City while goalkeeper Owen Chaima and defender Sankhani Mkandawire are Tanzania to seal a loan deal at Premier League side Mbeya Prison which is coached by Kinnah Phiri.
Moyo yesterday confirmed the four players’ departure, but said as acting GS, he was not involved in clearing the players.
“I am aware that the four players have left for South Africa and Tanzania but I do not know who sanctioned the trips because I heard it from the grapevine.
“In normal circumstances, the process was supposed to be handled by my office. What I have heard though, is that Lanjesi and Sulumba have gone for trials while Chaima and Sankhani are in Tanzania to discuss loan deal terms.
“I am not trying to block the players from prospects of a bright future neither am I blaming them, but all I am saying is that someone, somewhere jumped the gun,” said Moyo.
He also faulted the players’ trips coming at a time when the team is hit by injuries.
However, Tewesa said he is surprised that Moyo is claiming ignorance regarding the process to clear the players.
“Officially, I have also not been told although as head of technical, I should have been the first one to know.
“So, in absence of official communication from the executive I am afraid I cannot say anything, suffice to say it is puzzling that the acting GS, who is supposed to handle such issues is not aware. It just sounds strange to me. Is he hiding something perhaps?” wondered Tewesa.
He also said his main worry is that the players have left at a time the team needs them most as they have crucial games ahead.
“We do not know when they are coming back and so it would be difficult to plan around them, but I am sure the acting GS will come out clearly on the matter.”
In a brief telephone interview yesterday, Mkandawire confirmed that he was in Tanzania while Lanjesi and Sulumba could not be reached for comment.
Two weeks ago, two other Bullets players—defenders Miracle Gabeya and George Nyirenda—were also forced to return prematurely from South Africa where they were supposed to hold talks with another PSL side Chippa United.
Nyirenda then claimed that he received communication from facilitator of the deal, former Bullets and Flames defender Patrick Mabedi, that the deal would not proceed as some Bullets officials were not aware of the development.
