BB threatens to withdraw Flames players

Big Bullets have threatened to withdraw their players from the Malawi national football team, claiming they have become victims of abuse from certain quarters of the fans.

The club’s general secretary Higger Mkandawire on Wednesday claimed that some of their players had raised concerns with the team’s management against the conduct of some supporters.

“We are planning to take up the matter with Football Association of Malawi [FAM], but if the situation does not change, then we will ask them not to include our players.

“It is unfortunate that our players have become targets of abuse on social media and whenever the Flames are playing at Kamuzu Stadium, especially when the team has not done well. A case in point was the recent friendly match against Zimbabwe,” said Mkandawire.

In that game, there were seven Bullets players in the line-up, namely goalkeeper Owen Chaima, defenders Sankhani Mkandawire, Douglas ‘Chibadula’ Chirambo and George Nyirenda, midfielders Fischer ‘Anong’a’ Kondowe and Chimango Kayira and striker Gabadinho Mhango.

Coincidentally, the Flames are coached by Bullets mentor Eddington Ng’onamo.

“Our players were subjected to insults and some overzealous fans even suggested that this was not a national team, but Bullets,” said Mkandawire.

He likened the situation to the time of former coach Kinnah Phiri whom he said was accused of favouring northerners, the region where he comes from.

“Our thinking is myopic. We need to change that if we are to progress as a country,” said Mkandawire.

FAM commercial and public relations manager Casper Jangale said he needed to consult before commenting on the issue.

Ng’onamo said he was also not aware that some players had raised such concerns with Bullets management.

“Honestly, I am not aware of that. I will have to find out from the GS first,” he said.