Bullets soften On salary cut

Nyasa Big Bullets FC have softened their stand to implement a 50 percent players’ salary cut due to the economic impact of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The development comes days after the players rejected the People’s Team proposal to effect a 50 percent wage cut.

During a press briefing in Blantyre yesterday, Bullets chief executive officer Escort Chinula said discussions are under way with the players, whom

 he said are willing to contribute towards the club’s losses due to the pandemic.

He said: “Let me make it clear that Bullets will not impose anything without involving the interested parties. Yes, there was an issue of 50 percent wage cut, which was being discussed internally, but was not yet decided.

“As I am talking to you, the agreement has been made. There will be no deductions in the month of May, but the players are willing to contribute towards this pandemic. They will discuss and come back to us in June to say how much they will contribute as they understand problems the club is facing.”

In an interview yesterday, Bullets captain John Lanjesi confirmed being consulted by the club concerning the wage cut.

He said: “The club approached us and proposed that we should tell them how much we are willing to be deducted [from our salaries] monthly from June and as players. We are still thinking about it. We will not rush to

make a decision to avoid making a regrettable mistake.”

Bullets director of supporters Stone Mwamadi, who accompanied Chinula to the briefing, the club’s chief administration officer Albert Chigoga and head coach Callisto Pasuwa, said he was happy that the players have been given freedom to decide their contribution to the club in the wake of the pandemic.

Recently, Bullets players through Lanjesi and vice-captain Chimango Kayira reportedly petitioned the club’s management against effecting a 50 percent pay cut, arguing it could further affect their livelihood, which has already been affected due to the pandemic.

They argued that they could be victimised as the 50 percent pay cut did not reflect the current cost of living.

Be Forward Wanderers players have accepted a pay cut of between 30 percent and 50 percent after their sponsors, Japanese used vehicles dealers Be Forward, had cut their K150 million sponsorship by half due to the pandemic