Bullets injury woes worsen

FCB Nyasa Bullets continue to be haunted by injuries as four more players have been added to their ‘casualty’ list and will miss this afternoon’s TNM Super League match against Mafco FC.

Defender Clyde Senaji, midfielder Ronald ‘Rooney’ Chitiyo and striker Ephraim Kondowe suffered injuries during last Saturday’s Blantyre derby against fierce rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers while another defender Kesten Simbi got injured during training.

Others on injury include Gaten Phodo, Mike Mkwate, Alick Lungu, Frank Willard and Clever Mkungula.

The People’s Team gaffer Kallisto Pasuwa has said the situation is a cause for worry.

In a pre-match interview, the Zimbabwean tactician said: “In almost every match, we are losing three to four players due to injuries.

“Like in the previous game [against Wanderers], Ephraim Kondowe suffered a leg injury and is in PoP [Plaster of Paris], we have Clyde Senaji, who was elbowed twice and both his eyes are swollen and we have Chitiyo, who is also not okay after he was badly challenged. Then we also have Kesten Simbi who has an ankle problem.

“So, we are being forced to make changes, but that is what football is all about.”

Commenting on today’s match, the former Zimbabwe National Football Team and Dynamos FC coach said the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) side always gives them problems whenever they play at Chitowe.

“We also need to correct our mindset [because] every team that we play is doing their best to frustrate us. On the other hand, we hope that officiation will be good because that’s another problem we have been facing when playing away,” said Pasuwa.

Bullets, who have won five league titles on the trot and enjoyed the luxury of  a clean sweep last season, have had a slow start in the season, winning twice and drawing three times.

They are fifth on the table and are tied at nine points with fourth-placed Wanderers.

On the other hand, the Salima-based soldiers are among the three teams yet to register a win. The others are table anchors Baka City of Karonga and Blantyre-based Bangwe All Stars.

Mafco are second from the bottom in the 16-team league with two points from five matches.

In an interview yesterday, the Salima-based soldiers’ coach Sterio Gondwe said they are ready for the match.

“We are yet to win in this campaign and we are up against the champions, but we have worked on our shortfalls and we are optimistic of doing well. Playing at home also gives us hope and confidence,” he said.

In other matches, Wanderers host Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, Moyale take on Chitipa United at Mzuzu Stadium, Civil Service United face Bangwe All Stars while at Mulanje Stadium it will be a battle of the newly-promoted teams when Fomo FC engage Baka City.

Regardless of today’s results, leaders Silver Strikers, who host rookies Creck Sporting Club tomorrow, will remain top of the table.

Silver, second-placed Kamuzu Barracks, Wanderers and Bullets are the only teams yet to taste defeat this season.