Bullets have no beef-up plans for CAF campaign
FCB Nyasa Bullets say they have no plans to beef up squad despite the player registration period for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League and the domestic transfer window being open.
Bullets registered all their 30 players ahead of their two-legged tie against Equatorial Guinea side FC Dragons on August 20 away and August 27 at home.
However, CAF increased player registration limit, allowing clubs to add up to 10 more names as the second 30-day registration period, specifically for the second preliminary round, opened on August 1.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) also opened the domestic player transfer window on August 1 until August 31, giving the TNM Super League champions a chance to further strengthen their squad.
But Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga yesterday argued they are satisfied with their current squad.
“We are not changing anything during this period as we are satisfied with the squad we have and we are ready to compete at the continental level,” he said.
In the last transfer window, the People’s Team parted ways with 12 players but roped in six new faces.
Among the big names that exited the club are 2021 TNM Super League Player-of the-Season midfielder Chimwemwe Idana, 2022 golden boot winner Nigerian Babatunde Adepoju and defender Miracle Gabeya.
Idana and Gabeya, who play for Silver Strikers and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, respectively, left following disagreements on contract extension terms while Adepoju, who topped the scorers chart with 18 goals last season, joined South Africa First Division side Venda FC.
They roped in Kenyan defenders Clyde Senaji and Collins Odhiambo and added more signings such as striker Gastin Phodo from Silver Strikers, midfielder Chawanangwa Gumbo from Ekwendeni Hammers and welcomed back midfielder Mike Mkwate.
But critics believe the side still needs some polishing, especially in attacking positions.
In the last CAF Champions League edition, Bullets were eliminated in the preliminary round following a 4-0 aggregate loss to Simba SC of Tanzania after 2-0 defeats in two-legged ties.
The reigning national champions are the only club that will take part in the continental showpiece for the third year running, having fulfilled all the CAF club licensing requirements.
Meanwhile, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) licensing and compliance manager Casper Jangale yesterday said there have been no major movements of players a week after the transfer window opened as China Chirwa’s loan move from TN Stars to Chitipa United is the only finalised deal.
So far, other giant clubs Wanderers, Silver Strikers and Blue Eagles have said they are holding negotiations on potential deals with some players but they are not making noise to avoid alerting opponents about their targets.
Said Silver company secretary Peter Masiye: “We are still searching on the market for two strikers, a midfielder and a defender. Negotiations on some deals are already under way but we don’t want to make noise about their identities.”
Flames legend Peterkins Kayira yesterday said the teams are not rushing on the market because they are being cautious to ensure that they have strong and sustainable squads.
