Sulom pledges support for Bullets in Caf Champions league
The Super League of Malawi, Sulom has pledged to support Nyasa Big Bullets as the Club will be participating in the continental competition, 2022-23 TotalEnergies Caf Champions League.
On Monday, the Nations newspapers published an article saying the reigning tnm super League Champions have fulfilled all the Caf requirements hence competent to participate.
Among others, Bullets have managed to buy Blantyre Zero as their Women team, they have Reserve and Youth teams.
Super League of Malawi President, Tiya Somba Banda said the people’s team will be wrapped in all aspects including financially.
Banda said, “They are playing in the international competition which helps in boosting our game in Malawi and also the national team. Last year they participated and this year we have received a confirmation from our mother FA, so we will assist and support them.”
Nyasa Big Bullets are the only team to take part in the competition as Fam’s Transfer, Club Licence and Compliance has confirmed that both Capital City giants, Silver Strikers and Blue Eagles have rescinded their interests.
Blue Eagles Chairperson, Alexander told local media house that they have failed to take part in the continental showpiece due to plugged calendar year.
“We already playing in Super League and we have Cups ahead, but most importantly, we have an annual SAPICO games that will be played in Tanzania. Blue Eagles will partake in SAPICO, so we are overwhelmed and it will be difficult for us to source resources to cover all the competitions, so we will not be able to participate in Caf,” said Ngwala.
Meanwhile, Football analyst Kim Kamau says having only one team in Caf is a disconcerting development saying Caf games are integral for the development of Malawi’s football.
Kamau said, “It’s a disconcerting situations as these competitions help to augment our national team. If they (teams) are lacking funds, Fam should also take part in helping the clubs finding Sponsorships just for the tournaments.”
African Football governing body announced that Clubs engagement will be closed on June and registrations of players eligible to play in Preliminary rounds starts on August 1 and ends on August 15.
Nyasa Big Bullets have less than 3 months to prepare for the tournament as it kicks off in September.
The African Football governing body, Caf has set September 9-11 for the preliminary round matches while the return leg matches will be on September 16-18.
The 16-time Super League Champions have a record of participating in the Caf Champions League 7times with their best performance being 2004 where they reached the group stages when they were under former President, Dr. Bakili Muluzi sponsorship.
In 2015 they were about to reach the 2004 landmark after beating Fomboni FC of Comoros 2-1 in the preliminary round but they were booted out by South Sudanese giants, Al Hilal after suffering a 5-1 defeat on aggregate.
Last season, Bullets booted out of the competition by South African Amazulu FC in Preliminary Round after a 3-2 defeat on aggregate.
In 2019-20, Nyasa Big Bullets were booted out in the preliminary round after being defeated by Platnum FC of Zimbabwe.
In 2018-19, Gor Mahia of Kenya beat Bullets on penalties after a one-all stalemate. Chiukepo Msowoya missed the penalty that would have taken Bullets to the next round in the regulation time.
Football analyst, Ojuku Malunga says the Bullets should not get tired of taking part in the competition as it will help them in gaining more experience.
“They have assembled a good team, they are not going to compete but the competition will help them to gain experience. We would like to have two teams in the competition as it helps to improve the national team.”
Here is their performance in the league:
-2000 – Preliminary Round
-2004 – Group Stage
2015 – First Round
-2018–19 – Preliminary Round
2019–20 – Preliminary Round
-2020–21 –Withdrew
-2021–22 – First Round
Raja Athletic Club of Morocco are the reigning Champions as they beat Al Ahly in the final match.