Head coach Wedson Nyirenda has welcomed back FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ internationals ahead of Sunday’s FDH Bank Premiership meeting with Blue Eagles at Mpira Stadium.
Bullets return to competitive action after a five-week midseason break, during which several players represented Malawi at senior, Under-23 and Under-20 levels.
Captain Blessings Mpokera, Yankho Singo, Ephraim Kondowe and Chawanangwa Gumbo were with the senior Flames, while Edward Thengo and Julius Banda were involved with the Under-23 national team.
Madalitso Safuli, Misheck Billiat, Clever Kalambo, Kondwani Tebulo and Prince Chiumia were part of Malawi’s Under-20 squad for the COSAFA tournament in Mozambique. Chiumia had already rejoined the squad, featuring in Sunday’s 4-2 friendly victory over Extreme FC in Mchinji.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Nyirenda confirmed that the returning internationals are back in training, with Safuli having resumed training after returning from Under-20 duty with an ankle problem.
“He started training very well yesterday and he is now in full swing,” said the head coach.
Nyirenda was particularly encouraged by the commitment shown by the senior internationals, including Mpokera and Kondowe, who reported for training despite arriving home late following a demanding journey.
“They are committed, they are disciplined and they know what they want,” he said. “They came into training this morning and what they showed us was good leadership.
“I cannot take that lightly from any player. When a player shows that he has the heart for the team, that is what you want from them.”
Competition for places has also intensified following the arrival of Alihaji Mnjale, Tinaye Tsimba and Sheku Sheriff, who all featured during the midseason friendlies.
Mnjale and Tsimba scored their first Bullets goals in the 4-2 victory over Extreme FC in Mchinji, while Nyirenda has been encouraged by the progress of all three newcomers.
The head coach, however, stressed that they must continue proving themselves, with selection determined by the demands of each fixture.
“The new players have shown that they can be part of this team. Now it is up to them to fight for a place in the starting line-up or in the squad,” he explained.
“We have the data on Blue Eagles and we know how they play, so we have to choose the players who will fit what we want for that particular game.”
Bullets return to league action for the first time since their emphatic 5-0 victory over Silver Strikers in the final fixture of the first round.
The People’s Team sit second with 30 points, one behind leaders Blue Eagles, ahead of Sunday’s Matchweek 16 encounter at Mpira Stadium, where kick-off is scheduled for 14:30.
