Shake up at Bullets

FCB Nyasa Bullets have parted ways with their chief executive officer (CEO) Suzgo Nyirenda amidst a crisis that has left the TNM Super League  champions stuck on fifth position on the log table with 16 points from 11 matches.

The club has since appointed chief administration officer Albert Chigoga to replace the former Football Association of Malawi (FAM) general secretary in an acting capacity.

A statement from Bullets board says it is confident that Chigoga will lead Bullets to greater heights.

Reads the statement in part: “Albert brings a wealth of experience in club management, having served as the club’s general secretary and later as the club’s chief administration officer since joining in 2017.

“His transition to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in 2017 marked the evolution of the club into a commercial entity, showcasing his unique combination and strategic vision.

“Albert’s impressive qualifications include a degree in business administration complemented by credentials in statistics and marketing, making him well-equipped to lead FCB Nyasa Big Bullets to new heights.”

Bullets vice-president Escort Chinula in an interview said the club’s board decided not to renew Nyirenda’s contract.

He said: “Basically, the board opted not to renew Mr Nyirenda’s contract. We want a new CEO. We will advertise for the position very soon.

“Meanwhile, Mr Chigoga will be the acting CEO. He is also free to vie for the job when the vacancy is out. If he is successful, the board will confirm him.”

Chigoga is taking over at a time Bullets are enduring a torrid season, having won just three matches out of 11, collecting 16 points out of a possible 33.

The club was last week also embarrassed when sheriffs confiscated their team bus following failure to pay former coach Franco Ndawa damages for unlawful dismissal in 2016. The bus was reclaimed yesterday after paying the former coach K25 million.

This came after players also boycotted training last week in protest against poor decisions by management of the club, including being accommodated at a substandard lodge when they travelled to Lilongwe to play Creck Sporting Club.

However, the club has not explained if a decision not renew Nyirenda’s contract is related to the team’s current crisis.

On his part, Chigoga, in an interview yesterday, called for unity among Bullets family in times of crisis.

He said: “Let’s continue giving support to the team as we usually do. Without supporters, we are not a big team. Players need supporters to do well.

“The club needs supporters to excel in its businesses. We all need one another if we are to rediscover our prowess as a football club.”

On whether he has what it takes to stir the club to its lost glory, Chigoga said: “It is a challenge. However, we have what it takes as a club to prevail under any circumstances.”

Bullets appointed Nyirenda as CEO in 2021 as part of the club’s commercialisation drive, replacing Chinula who was appointed vice-president.

During his reign as Bullets CEO, Nyirenda led the team to various achievements, including securing sponsorship and partnership deals. The People’s Team also won the league title three times in a row and spiced it up with a clean sweep last season.

Before joining Bullets, Nyirenda served as Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) vice-general secretary responsible for competitions from 2016 to 2021.

He joined Cosafa after serving at Football Association of Malawi for 11 years; from 2005 to 2011 as administration officer before he ascended to general secretary post which he left to join Cosafa in 2016.

Nyirenda was not available for comment.