Chiukepo, Chaima and two others out of Fomboni game
Big Bullets have suffered a big setback ahead of Sundays CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg against Fomboni Club de Moheli following CAF’s decision to reject Chiukepo Msowoya and Owen Chaima’s late registration.
A stunned Bullets GS Harold Fote confirmed the development, saying the news had caught them off-guard as they thought everything was in order.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said CAF rejected the process because it was done after the January 31 grace period and that no convincing reason was given by Bullets.
Apart from the two, who are part of the team currently camping in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, Harvey Nkacha and Peter Nyambose, have also been rejected.
“Late registration is against Fifa rules [in] Article 5. So, these players can only be eligible if Bullets qualify for quarter-finals,” said Nyirenda.
While bemoaning the absence of Chiukepo and Chaima, coach Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan played down impact of their absence.
“They were both in my plans for this game, but we cannot cry over spilt milk. We will have to do with the players that won the title even though the squad needed beefing up.
“Sometimes things happen for a reason and it will be up to those that will be selected in their place to prove a point,” said Ramadhan.
Fote said Bullets have since arranged to have reserve goalkeeper Chimwemwe Kumkwawa travel to the Comoros as back-up for Vincent Gona, but ruled out the possibility of replacing Chiukepo.
– Story sponsored by Bantley Ballpoint and Exercise Books
