Some former Big Bullets chairpersons have saluted the current Malinda Chinyama-led administration for rescuing the People’s Team from the rut of mediocrity to 2012 Presidential Cup glory on Saturday.
Ex-Bullets heads Sunduzwayo Madise, Trouble Kalua and Gaston Mwenelupembe said, while collective effort brought the glory, the executive committee deserves more kudos. Bullets beat Moyale Barracks 1-0 to lift the trophy at Civo Stadium. .
“Yes, people must be accountable, but let us call a spade a spade; this executive is doing its best. They are not perfect, but they have tried. They have done what some of us failed,†Madise said on Saturday when asked as to who deserves the credit for the success.
Chinyama and company were recently under fire from the trustees over transparency and accountability. The trustees, fired up by Kinnah Phiri, were demanding audited accounts, claiming players are complaining over unpaid dues.
But Madise, warned “that every time the team is doing well, and there are finances, some destructive elements creep in.â€
Bullets, who have never had steady sponsorship since 2004, have landed Carlsberg Malawi sponsorship subject to, like is the case with Mighty Wanderers, review after a year.
Balance in the playing squad
In an interview, Kalua, who took over the Bullets reins two years ago, but survived only for months, attributed the success to, among others, right balance of youth and experience in the playing squad.
“For sure [the executive has] somehow managed to motivate the team in difficult circumstances. It is not easy managing a team like Bullets. They have done an exceedingly great job and the results are there for all to see,†said Kalua.
“Relief is the prevailing emotion. After a long barren spell, the joy of lifting a major trophy is immeasurable. Credit to management and the coaching staff for instilling a hunger and desire to win. This has been lacking for a while.â€
But Mwenelupembe, while giving credit to the current administration, refused to buy any idea that he was among the failed crop of administrators at Bullets, saying from 1989 to early 2000, he won a number of trophies.
“The win of the cup will encourage us supporters. It is a morale booster,†Mwenelupembe said about the Bullets who are also in contention for the TNM Super League, the Standard Bank Trophy and Carlsberg Cup.
