Pasuwa says got orders to axe 8

Nyasa Big Bullets coach Callisto Pasuwa has disclosed that the decision to release eight senior players followed a directive from the club’s management.

The People’s Team released strikers Chiukepo Msowoya, Bright Munthali and Zicco Mkanda, midfielders Chimango Kayira, Nelson Kangunje and Dalitso Sailesi and defenders Sankhani Mkandawire and Pilirani Zonda.

Said Pasuwa: “Following an administrative directive, I was given the mandate to remove all old players by management.

“I was the one defending them. At the same time, we cannot ignore the promising talent coming through from the reserve side.”

Bullets have promoted goalkeeper Clever Mkungula, defender Kesten Simbi and midfielders Thomson Magombo, Yankho Singo and Patrick Mwaungulu from their reserve side and signed former Silver Strikers defender Hadji Wali as well as midfielder Mphatso Magaleta, formerly of relegated Ntopwa FC.

The new-signings impressed during the recent NBS Bank Charity Shield which Bullets won after beating Silver 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium from Wali’s lone goal.

However, Pasuwa said Bullets are not yet ready for season.

“The team needs to gel and it is a process,” he said.

The Zimbabwean tactician also said there are plans to beef up the squad with foreign players.

Although he could not be drawn to give further details, sources confided that they are courting players from Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon.

On the progress of his contract negotiations, Pasuwa simply said: “It will come out.”

On the prospects of beefing up their squad, the club’s chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda said there isstill room to get a few more on board.

“There are some players who are interested to come, so we will see,” he said.