Wrangles won’t affect us—Fischer

Big Bullets captain Fischer Kondowe and his deputy Pilirani Zonda have said internal wrangles that have rocked the team’s leadership will not affect them as they prepare for Sunday’s CAF Champions League first round, first-leg tie against Al Hilal in Sudan.

In an interview from Kenya’s capital Nairobi yesterday morning, Fischer said: “Our focus is firmly on Sunday’s game. Our job is to play football and we have nothing to do with the internal bickering unless, of course, if our welfare is being compromised.

“We have a task to accomplish on Sunday and that is what is on our minds now.”

Zonda said the players will go into Sunday’s encounter in high spirits.

“The odds are stacked against us due to the fact that Al Hilal have done well in continental competitions in the past compared to us; and, generally, they will have an edge playing at home.

“But then sometimes playing in front of a home crowd puts you under pressure and that could work to our advantage,” said Zonda.

He also said they are not worried about playing under floodlights.

“It is a fact that we are not used to it, but it is not an issue. We will adapt,” he said.

Bullets were scheduled to fly out of Nairobi in the afternoon yesterday and according to chairperson Kondi Msungama, they plan to get a feel of the match venue in the evening.

“After a brief rest, we plan to loosen up so as to get the feel of the match venue at around the same time that the match will kick off,” said Msungama.

He thanked the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Malawi High Commissioner in Kenya Perks Ligoya, and his staff for according them a warm welcome in Nairobi.

Msungama further said the players have been paid their external allowances and their focus is firmly on the game which will start at 7pm local time.