Big Bullets captain and defence marshal Sankhani Mkandawire is set to leave for Limpopo, South Africa, today for trials with National First Division (NFD) side Black Leopards.
Mkandawire’s absence could create a defence crisis ahead of Bullets’ Carlsberg Cup semi-final fixture against Mighty Wanderers.
Bullets general secretary Harold Fote yesterday confirmed that Mkandawire will be out for two weeks.
“All the logistics related to his trip have been finalised and he is departing tomorrow,” said Fote.
Already, Bullets are short of defenders following the injury of Bashir Maunde during the Carlsberg Cup quarter-final game against Azam Tigers and reports indicate that he will be out for four weeks.
Another up-and-coming Under-20 international defender Miracle Gabeya is attending trials at Bloemfontein Celtic also in the Rainbow Nation while George Nyirenda has not been part of the team since the season kicked off having joined Zimbabwean top outfit Caps United.
But Fote played down the issue, saying it is no cause for worry.
“We still have other key defenders such as Yamikani Fodya, Chiku Kanyenda, Douglas Chirambo and Pilirani Zonda. After all, we are also expecting Miracle [Gabeya] to return on Monday,” he said.
Mkandawire, who had a stint in the South African First Division with Carara Kicks between 2011 and 2013, said he is looking forward to the trials although he is still nursing an injury he suffered against Airborne Rangers.
“I am recovering and I am optimistic that by the time I start the trials, I will be better,” said Mkandawire who missed Flames’ friendly match against Mozambique yesterday owing to the injury.
