Bullets resolve players’ grievances

FCB Nyasa Bullets say they have resolved players’ grievances, which, among others, included calls for the club to adjust salaries as well as local and external allowances and improve their general welfare.

The club’s president Konrad Buckle met the players on Tuesday in Blantyre to appreciate the concerns which led to the players boycotting training a week ago.

During the meeting, Buckle, who was accompanied by supporters development director Mphatso Kamzingeni Zulu, football development director Jason Bowler, the club’s vice-president Escort Chinula and supporters chairperson Stone Mwamadi, splashed K10 million for the players to share.

He assured the players that the team will participate in  Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League and that their external allowances, which were at K250 000, will be adjusted upwards.

Buckle also promised to adjust the players’ salaries, game bonuses and allowances and improve their general welfare.

However, the Bullets boss also warned the players that the club would not tolerate indiscipline.

In an interview after the meeting, Bullets acting chief executive officer Albert Chigoga said the players’ grievances are now water under the bridge.

He said: “It was an important meeting. The president went there to speak to the players and to listen to the players. Remember a week ago, the players had grievances which they raised. Those grievances were presented to him and he thought it wise that he should meet the players himself.”

On the disciplinary concerns raised by Buckle, Chigoga said the president reminded the players that no one is bigger than the club.

He said: “He encouraged the players to be disciplined. He told the players that Bullets is the biggest football club in Malawi and  they should also bear in mind that Bullets is bigger than any member of the club. He said it has been there since 1967 and that it will be there for generations to come.

Bullets are struggling this season despite sweeping all trophies last season. They are fifth with 16 points from a possible 33, with no win in the month of June.

On his part, Bullets captain Precious Sambani said they are grateful that the club’s president and board members heard their grievances and responded accordingly.

He said: “We are happy that our president took heed of our request to come and address us. We are happy that we presented our grievances and that he responded to them.”

On the team’s performance, Sambani said: “We know that we have not been performing well. The president has done his part and it is now up to us to turn things around.”