Two Nyasa Big Bullets players and team officials have been isolated from the rest of the squad after showing symptoms of Covid-19.
Hassan Kajoke and Ernest Kakhobwe have been ruled out of the squad that will face Moyale Barracks in the TNM Super League at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The officials are Team Manager James Chilapondwa and Welfare Manager Chisomo Chikwembani.
“They have been isolated due to fever and influenza symptoms. Covid-19 tests were done on them today [Friday] at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and results are expected to be out in the next 24 hours, which means they are unavailable for the match [tomorrow],” confirmed Team Doctor Felix Mwalule.
Kajoke, Bullets’ lead striker who has scored three league goals in four matches this season, as well as the number one goalkeeper Kakhobwe, join two other first team members, Peter Banda and Ben Manyozo, who were on Thursday also ruled out for selection for the Moyale match due to injuries they sustained last weekend against Red Lions. Stanley Billiat is also out due to an illness.
With Kajoke out, Kalisto Pasuwa is left with Chiukepo Msowoya, Zicco Mkanda, Luke Chima and Bright Munthali in attack while Kakhobwe’s absence means Rabson Chiyenda and Richard Chimbamba are the obvious options to pick from to man the posts.
While the absence of Manyozo, who has recently been switched from defensive midfield to defender, means the head coach has Nickson Nyasulu, Miracle Gabeya and possibly John Lanjesi who returns from injury as the options for the central defense.
Misheck Seleman and Dalitso Sailesi are the options Bullets have on the front left wing following Peter Banda’s injury.
Currently sitting on fifth position in the standings with five points, Pasuwa’s side welcomes the bottom-placed Moyale Barracks in Blantyre as The People’s Team are looking for a second victory in this campaign after registering only a single win, two draws and a loss from four matches.
