Bullets get CAF tourney nod
Nyasa Big Bullets FC president Konrad Buckle says the team will continue participating in Confederation of African Football (CAF) tournaments despite failing to make it past the preliminary round in the last four editions.
There were fears from some quarters that after four successive exits at the first hurdle in the CAF Champions League, the People’s Team would reconsider their participation in the elite continental showpiece.
But Buckle, who doubles as the club’s board chairperson, was quoted by MBC Radio 2FM as having said it is important that they continue taking part in the tournament to gain more exposure.
He said: “There are no two ways. We will continue.
“[Of course], we didn’t do well in the past editions, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get better.
“We are looking at more than just results because by participating in such tournaments, the players get international experience. We believe in what we do.”
Buckle said the Flames also benefit from the team’s participation in the tournament because Bullets contribute a number of players to the Malawi National Football Team.
Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said: “The news delivered by the president is great and encouraging.
“He understands that for us to reach the desired standards of the CAF competition, the solution is not to back off, but to continue competing with the best on the continent.”
The club’s assistant coach Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda also hailed the decision, saying the team needs to continue competing against the best to get better.
He said: “I think it’s only last year that we did not do well after being booted out 4-0 on aggregate by Simba Sports Club [of Tanzania]. Otherwise, in the previous three editions, we gave it our best shot.
“Against Gor Mahia [of Kenya] and FC Platinum [of Zimbabwe], we lost in the dying minutes while against Amazulu [of South Africa], we won away, but lost the plot in the return leg at home.
“Otherwise, there is this belief that we can compete against these teams and coming from the president himself, it is a big statement about his belief in the team’s capabilities.”
The former Bullets captain said the team will be better next season.
“The players are one season better, they have experienced and learnt from the previous adventures.”
On his part, football analyst Charles Nyirenda said Bullets need to plan thoroughly, especially after the draw is done.
He said: “Perfect scouting on the opposition to map out how to overcome the odds is always crucial.
“I believe in the previous three attempts, a combination of inexperience on the part of young lads incorporated into the team, bad luck and terrible draw have all come together, leading to early exit from from the competition.
“They shouldn’t be daunted by what lies ahead. If they plan well, work much harder and believe in themselves, a breakthrough will eventually come.”
Bullets’ best run in the continental safari was in 2004 when they reached the group stage. They were then sponsored by former president Bakili Muluzi and were known as Bakili Bullets.
