BB hint at reserve side’s Super League prospects
Nyasa Big Bullets say they are tempted to let their reserve side play in the TNM Super League next season should they win the Chitetezo Mbaula Premier League championship.
The People’s Team feeder side is within touching distance of earning promotion into the top-flight league as they lead the second-tier league in the South with 88 points from 38 games—two points above Ntopwa—with four games each before they wrap up the league.
Initially, Bullets said the reserve side would specifically be a feeder to the main team, but in an interview at the weekend, the club’s chief executive officer (CEO) Fleetwood Haiya said they are beginning to think twice and are exploring a number of options.
“There is a possibility that the reserve side could play in the Super League if they win the title. If we win the league, we will make a recommendation to the board to consider allowing the reserve side to be promoted.
“But let us cross the bridge first and then we can take it from there. Another option could be to sell the franchise so as not to deny the players a chance of showcasing their talents at a higher level while yet another option could be to promote some and then loan out the others,” he said.
On Sunday, Bullets Reserve thrashed Naming’omba 7-1 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre to displace Ntopwa FC from the summit of the 22-team log table.
The development means Reserve just need to win their remaining four games, including an encounter against Ntopwa in their conclusive fixture, to take the ultimate glory with unassailable points. Their maximum points are 100 while those of Ntopwa are 98.
Even if the two rivals tie on points at the end of their fixtures, Reserve could still have an upper hand as they have a better goal difference, which currently stands at 83 against Ntopwa’s 47.
But a slip-up would not give only Ntopwa a chance as other title contenders third-placed Hangover FC and fourth-positioned Cobbe Barracks FC, who are tied on 82 points from 38 and 39 matches, respectively, also salivate to get the honours and a possible TNM Super League promotion.
On Sunday, the current leading scorer Hassan Kajoke (35 goals) did not score as Wilton Kaunda, Sherif Maida, Alex Tsamba,Patrick Mwaungulu, Frank Mlimanjira, David Banda and Felix Demakude registered their names on the score-sheet for Bullets Reserve. Laston Mahere notched the consolation goal for Naming’omba.
“Our eyes are focused on winning all our remaining games and our impressive triumph today boosts our confidence,” said Reserves coach Enos Chatama.
Ntopwa owner and team manager Isaac Jomo Osman, who ironically is a staunch Bullets supporter and watched the Reserves match on Sunday, said his side is also determined to get the crown and their last match against the Reserve will be the title decider.
“We are heading to an interesting conclusion of the league,” he said.
In 20-team Division One, there is tight contention among leaders Ciso FC (115 points), second-placed Sable Farming (114) and third-positioned Neno Medicals (112).
