FCB Nyasa Bullets are facing a players’ ‘exodus ‘which might undermine their competitive edge as foreign clubs circle to snatch some of their stars.
Just weeks after selling holding midfielder Yankho Singo to South African Betway Premiership side Golden Arrows, Bullets are now on the verge of losing their captain Lloyd ‘Banega’ Aaron to Qatari top-flight side Muaither FC.
Bulllets acting chief executive officer Albert Chigoga confirmed that Aaron’s transfer to Muaither FC is nearly sealed, pending a medical and Bullets are reportedly expected to fetch a record K192 million.
“It’s highly likely that he’s leaving,” he said in an interveiw yesterday.
His potential exit comes as South African outfit Durban City FC has also set its sights on Bullets’ red-hot winger Chikumbutso Salima and defender Blessings Mpokela.
Chigoga said Durban City’s technical director Ernst Middendorp, a former Kaizer Chiefs coach, watched Bullets’ Airtel Top 8 final match against Silver Strikers at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday to scout for potential talent.
“His club requested to see some of our players and we allowed him to come,” he said.
Ironically, Durban City initially targeted Banega, but that deal was snatched away by the Qatari side.
“At first, they wanted Banega to travel for trials, which we declined; hence, the visit,” Chigoga added.
After the match, Middendorp reportedly left impressed with more than just the initial targets.
Apart from Salima and Mpokela, he was also impressed by defender Andrew Jovinala and striker Maxwell Gastin Phodo, who scored Bullets’ goal in the final before Stain Davie equalised for Silver.
While the transfers are a financial boost, they also pose a significant challenge to the team’s competitive edge.
Football analyst Twaha Chimuka says Bullets must strike a balance between cashing in on talent and maintaining a winning squad.
“Malawian football is largely developmental. If there’s a good offer, selling makes sense. But the club must reinvest properly,” Chimuka said.
He warned of potential short-term struggles for the team.
“They need to prepare supporters for a possible dip in form. Rebuilding takes time,” said Chimuka
He added that Bullets need strengthen their reserve.
“They need ready-made replacements. The reality is, they may have a season or two of regrouping,” he said.
But Chigoga played down the fears, saying: “We will be good. We will work on a strategy to fill the void.”
On his part, coach Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda said: “Yes we are talking about the imminent departure of our captain, someone who had a big influence on the team.
“He is leaving on a very good note, handing in the first trophy of many to come… Some players need to come in a fill the big gap he has left… he was very very influential both on and off the field and the team will greatly miss him.
“But all along, we have never relied on individuals, the collective comes first.”
Bullets currently lie second on the TNM Super League table, five points behind leaders Mighty Wanderers.
