Veterans urge BB to emulate class of 2004
The remaining members of the heroic Big Bullets squad of 2004 that reached the last eight of the CAF Champions League, Fischer Kondowe and James Chilapondwa, have urged the current squad to go an extra mile.
Addressing their colleagues after Wednesday training session, Kondowe and Chilapondwa said the current generation need to give out something extra if they are to surpass or match that feat.
“We set a benchmark in 2004 and you should aim at doing better than we did. You should not be satisfied by mere participation,” said Kondowe who is also the captain.
Chilapondwa said the tournament provide up-and-coming stars a chance to showcase to a wider audience: “I would not say we were a great team, but we were very determined and had that amazing self belief.
“There was also good team spirit. Over and above that, we worked very hard and I believe with the right attitude and hunger, you guys can go all the way.”
Peter Mponda who captained the Bullets dream team said given the necessary support and incentives like they had, the current generation can also scale greater heights.
“I think we were highly motivated then considering the kind of support we enjoyed from former president Bakili Muluzi. We had a rare opportunity of camping in England, an advantage that the current team does not have,” said Mponda.
During that time, Bullets saw off giants such as former African club champions Orlando Pirates, Zanaco and SC Villa to qualify for group stages.
– Story sponsored by Bantley Ballpoint and Exercise Books
