Kickoff time for Nyasa Big Bullets’ opening match at the CECAFA Kagame Cup tournament against Young Africans at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania has been pushed to 6:00 p.m. CAT (7:00 p.m. EAT), three hours later than it was originally set to start.
The time has been rescheduled to give Bullets, who were invited as guests, sufficient time to rest after arriving in Dar es Salaam late Saturday afternoon for the two-week competition, which kicks off today.
Bullets travelling 20-member squad and six officials had to undergo rapid Covid-19 testing at the Julius Nyerere International Airport where they were all declared negative, before checking in the Hong Kong Hotel late evening.
Initially Bullets were expected to play their opening Group A game at the inter-club tournament, however CECAFA rearranged the programme and groups from three to two following the withdrawal of Kenyan representatives, Tusker FC.
The People’s Team will be facing Yanga for a third time in more than a decade. In 2004, Bullets defeated Yanga 2-1 at Kamuzu Stadium before sharing the spoils in Tanzania in the Group Stages of CAF Champions League.
Bullets, who are playing in the 2021/22 CAF Champions League, which starts in September, will use the CECAFA Kagame Cup as preparations for the continental competition.
The TNM Super League champions traveled under the tutelage of assistant coach Peter Mponda, in the absence of head coach Kalisto Pasuwa, who missed the trip due to Covid-19.
After today’s encounter against Yanga, Bullets will face Ugandan side, Express FC, at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Wednesday, before completing their campaign in the group stages against Atlabara FC of South Sudan at Azam Complex on Saturday.
The next two fixtures are scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CAT (1:00 p.m. EAT).
Meanwhile, The People’s Team can confirm that midfielder Meshack Seleman and members of the Club media failed to travel with the team to Tanzania after testing positive for Covid-19 and they are in isolation.
Bullets CECAFA squad:
Goalkeepers: Rabson Chiyenda, Ernest Kakhobwe
Defenders: Nickson Nyasulu, Miracle Gabeya, Sankhani Mkandawire, Blessings Mpokera, Yamikani Fodya, Eric Kaonga, Gomezgani Chirwa
Midfielders: Chimango Kaira, Chimwemwe Idana, Benson Manyozo, McFallen Mgwira, Paul Kansungwi, Precious Phiri, Anthony Mfune
Strikers: Chiukepo Msowoya, Bright Munthali, Babatunde Adepoju, Hassan Kajoke
