Bullets to defy odds in CAF

Big Bullets coach Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan believes his charges can still achieve success despite having little time to build a coherent squad ahead of next Friday’s CAF Champions League encounter against Club Fomboni in the Comoros.

Ramadan made the statement in an interview on Wednesday after a 1-1 draw in a friendly match against Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) Premier League side Surestream FC at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

“Of course, we are facing some problems and we do not have ample time to make thorough preparations. Nevertheless, so far, so good and there is still some positivity in the squad and we are ready to make do with whatever we have,” said Ramadan.

He said he is not worried about Bullets’ preparations so far because the current squad is already fit for the continental battle.

The draw with Surestream was the third in four games Bullets have played in preparation for the international contest. They beat fellow Super League giants Red Lions 1-0 after a 3-3 draw in an earlier encounter. They also drew 1-1 with another Premier Division side, Evirom FC.

Unlike the team’s participation in the continental showpiece in 2004 when they tuned up for at least six months, including a month-long training camp in England. This time Bullets have had only three weeks for preparation.

Further, the team was under pressure to beef up the squad and as of yesterday, there were prospects of losing some key players whom they already registered for the contest.

They players include Victor Limbani and Tizgobere Kumwenda. Jimmy Zakazaka and Frazer Menyani who were already registered have also missed the trip. Zakazaka has ruled himself out of the trip due to the team’s failure to renew his contract while Menyani’s reasons were not specified.

But they are assured of the services of striker Chiukepo Msowoya whom they roped in as a free agent.

Ramadhan has since named a 17-player travelling squad that leaves for the Comoros today.

Bullets captain Fischer Kondowe, who alongside James Chilapondwa are the only remnants of the squad that finished in the quarter-finals of the 2004 CAF Champions League, concurred with Ramadhan that they are capable of doing well in this year’s event.

Kondowe, however, said it will be tough to repeat and even surpass the 2004 achievement considering that time was not on the team’s side to prepare thoroughly.

“We will rely on team spirit and determination to do well in this year’s contest,” said Kondowe.

Bullets chairperson Kondi Msungama said the short period for preparations and their struggles to get the required players for beefing up their squad should not be a cause for concern because they are travelling with over 90 percent of players that won the Super League and Carlsberg Cup titles.

“We already have a good squad that will surprise Fomboni at their backyard,” said Msungama.

The travelling squad is as follows: Goalkeepers – Owen Chaima and Vincent Gona; Defenders – Pilirani Zonda, Sankhani Mkandawire, Bashir Maunde, Yamikani Fodya and Miracle Gabeya; Midfielders – Fischer Kondowe, Davie Ng’ambi, Dalitso Sailesi, Henry Kabichi, James Chilapondwa, Victor Limbani and Jafalie Chande; Strikers – Chiukepo Msowoya, Mussa Manyenje and Tizgobere Kumwenda.

Ramadhan is leading the technical panel that includes his deputy Lloyd Nkhwazi, technical director Billy Tewesa and team doctor Godfrey Ng’ambi. Bullets executive will comprise chairperson Kondi Msungama, general secretary Harold Fote and supporters’ chairperson Stone Mwamadi.

Flora Mwandira of the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and Bullets’ second vice-treasurer Grace Mkandawire are also among the travelling party.