Phodo is red

By Antony Isaiah Jr:…..

Nyasa Big Bullets Football Club has beaten their cross-town rivals, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers to sign former Silver Strikers forward, Maxwell Gasten Phodo.

Since Phodo’s departure from Silver Strikers, the two Blantyre giants have been battling for the signature of the 2021 golden Boot contender but the people’s team have emerged the victorious.

Silver Strikers announced the departure of the striker last week after failing to agree on contractual terms.

Silver Strikers Chief Executive Officer, Thoko Chimbali said the Club did everything to keep the former Mzuzu Warriors striker but his demands were beyond the reach of the Club.

“We allowed him to leave after we failed to reach his demands. We did everything we could to keep him here [at Silver Strikers]. As a club, before every player enters the final six months of his contract, we open talks with him and it was the same with Phodo but he declined to sign a new contract that we had offered him. We have therefore replaced him with Madalitso Maso from our Reserve side,” said Chimbali.

On Tuesday afternoon, Nyasa Big Bullets announced the arrival of the striker who was Silver Strikers’ top goal-scorer last season.

“Nyasa Big Bullets are pleased to announce the arrival of Maxwell Gasten Phodo. The forward has signed a three-year contract until 2025,” reads part of the statement released by the Club.

In an interview with the Club’s Media Team, the 23-year-old forward said he was delighted to have joined the club of his choice.

“I’m so excited to have joined this big club. It’s been my desire to play for this team. Bullets is the biggest club in Malawi and it’s every player’s dream to play for this club, which is very organised and always encourages players to do better,” said Phodo.

On why he picked up Nyasa Big Bullets over other Clubs, Phodo said Pasuwa is the most important factor.

“It’s been my dream to be coached by Kalisto Pasuwa and I’m happy that finally, my wish has come to pass. I’m still the same player, nothing has changed and everyone at Bullets should expect a lot from me,” he added.

Phodo won Airtel Top 8 Cup and FDH Bank Cup with Silver Strikers before crossing the Township from Lilongwe to Blantyre.