Exclusive: Bakili speaks on Bullets Caf mission
Former Malawi president and Big Bullets’ ex-sponsor Bakili Muluzi says the club has not approached him seeking financial support.
Muluzi says he can help ‘even through a prayer’.
“If they did approach me as a former sponsor, I am sure I would help…even offer a prayer for them. In other words, I was not doing that because I was President. You may recall that, at one time, I was in the committee of [Mighty] Wanderers as secretary,” said Muluzi in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.
Muluzi says he supports “both Nyerere and BB” and keeps red and blue scarves.
With Bullets seeking K180 million (about $360 000) sponsorship for the 2015 CAF Champions League campaign, The Nation contacted Muluzi for his experience of his massive cash injection which earned Bullets an unprecedented group stage berth of the premier continental safari in 2004. He congratulated the reigning TNM Super League kings.
“It’s something of pride not only to Bullets but country because when clubs are doing well, the national team also does well. So, we need to strengthen clubs. My experience was that the team was heavily supported. At one point, I sent them to England for a month to expose their talent. Therefore, between now and February, the team needs a lot of practice and discipline because we want them to win,” advised Muluzi.
Bullets travel to Comoros on the weekend of February 13 2015 for a preliminary round first leg before hosting the Comoros giant in the reverse fixture after a fortnight. Reports suggest that Bullets are closing in on a sponsorship deal.
In 2004, Muluzi sponsored Bullets on a three-year deal worth K15 million (about $30 000), before adding over K70 million (about $140 000) for CAF assignments. Muluzi recalled yesterday that the then Bullets committee included current chairperson Kondie Msungama as vice-treasurer.
“I cannot remember how much I spent on them, but it was quite substantial amount of money. You know, running a club is not cheap and what you get from gate collections is not enough. I was doing that out of passion. I love football. I am happy that Kondie was in the committee. I think he can share a lot of experiences,” said the former president.
In 2004, his happiest moment was when Bullets stunned SC Villa of Uganda, Zambia’s Zanaco and South Africa’s Orlando Pirates (over two legs against each team) to reach the last eight.
“I even used to joke with former South Africa president Thabo Mbeki that if you come here, we will defeat you…[Now] if there is a return match, I am always available. We are ready to support them [Bullets] at Kamuzu Stadium. I appeal to the private sector, individuals and companies to support this team,” Muluzi said.
In reaction, Msungama on Tuesday said he keeps in touch with Muluzi for inspiration as father, but while the Bullets cannot reject his support, they feel he did his part and do not want to “overload him”.
