Wedson Nyirenda has backed Kondwani Tebulo to make the step into first-team football after recalling the Bullets Reserves captain to his senior squad.
The 18-year-old earned his opportunity following a productive opening half of the season with the Reserves, registering one goal and six assists across 10 appearances.
After the club confirmed his recall in midweek, Nyirenda was asked what convinced him that the Malawi Under-20 wing-back was ready to move up.
Invoking the profile of former Real Madrid and Brazil left-back Marcelo, the head coach said: “He is a Marcelo. I was asking myself why he had remained in the B team until now.
“We have been blocking that boy from becoming what he is supposed to become. For me, he is ready to start playing for the senior team.”
Nyirenda’s assessment was shaped by watching Tebulo against Immigration FC in Chilomoni and Nchima United at Mpira Stadium before his performance in last week’s 7-1 victory over Zingwangwa United reinforced that view.
“From what I saw when he played for the B team in Chilomoni [against Immigration] and at Mpira Stadium [against Nchima], he is a very good and intelligent player.
“He does not lose the ball easily, knows how to move inside from a wide position, combines well and can attack before finding himself beyond the defensive line.
“The game I watched last week [against Zingwangwa] confirmed everything I already knew about him. He scored a very difficult goal.”
For Nyirenda, Tebulo’s promotion is not only about the player’s immediate first-team potential. It also reflects the importance of maintaining a clear pathway through the club’s football structure.
“When you have a talent who has shown he can perform, there is no need for him to create traffic there because we need to create space for others coming through behind him.
“We are in the business of developing new talent and selling players. My job is not only to coach and win games. I am also here to make money for the club because selling players brings in revenue.
“We promote the players who are doing well, and when they move up, we create space to bring others through so the wheels keep turning.”
While indicating that Tebulo could receive his first-team opportunity “very soon”, Nyirenda stressed that selection must still be earned on the training pitch.
“Every player needs to work for his position. You cannot simply enter the books of Bullets, relax and expect to play. You have to work, show that you are capable and prove that you are ready.
“The boy has shown that he is a good player. All we need now is to give him confidence and show him that we believe in him.”
Tebulo is now pushing for his competitive first-team debut as Bullets prepare to host Chitipa United in the FDH Bank Premiership at Mpira Stadium on Sunday.
