Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe August 18 Mana: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Gaffer, Kalitso Pasuwa has said Bullets will need to dig deep and be on top of their game tactically if they are to salvage a good result against Dragon FC on Sunday at the Malabo stadium when they kick off their 2023 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions league campaign.
For their first preliminary match, Bullets were drawn to play Dragon FC, from Equatorial Guinea on the road followed by a reverse fixture on the 27th August at Bingu National Stadium.
In an interview, Pasuwa said preparations for the anticipated match have been rolling out smoothly while he also noted that little information is known on their opponent.
“The guys are doing well, the local games are different from international games hence we need to be tactically good as we hope for the best.
“I have played Dragon before on national level however I wouldn’t say I know so much about their style of play,” he said.
Pasuwa highlighted injuries and transfer of players to other clubs as some of the challenges ahead of the regional showpiece but remained optimistic that available players will be up to the task.
“The problem I am having is that we are losing the spine of the team, most of the guys who are regulars and there is nothing we can do however I would have wanted one or two experienced guys around,” Pasuwa added.
While noting that indeed more recruits are joining Bullets, Pasuwa said players are looking for where they can have better livihoods and hence budgets will need to be revised in the future to be at par with the demands of the champions’ league.
Meanwhile Bullet’s Kenyan defender, Clyde Senaji who has frequently played in the champion’s league said the key to such matches is ample preparation while he also relished the opportunity on play on such a stage representing his family, Kenyans and Malawians.
“I think every player wants to play on this stage, it’s a chance for us all to showcase our talent and these are tactically matches that need discipline from the team.” He said.
Senaji who did not feature in Bullet’s recent match against Extreme due to discomfort confirmed that he is in good shape and fit.
In 2022 Bullets failed a consecutive 4th time to exceed beyond the preliminary stage of the champions league after facing defeat to Tanzanian’s Simba SC, having previously exited the continental showpiece to Gor Mahia (Kenya), Platinum FC(Zimbabwe) and Amazulu FC(South).
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets departed Malawi on Thursday and is presently in Equatorial Guinea set for the match.
Mana/tm
