Heston Munthali has provided the latest squad update ahead of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ FDH Bank Premiership clash against Goshen City Dedza Dynamos at Dedza Stadium on Saturday.
The Bullets assistant coach faced the media during Thursday’s pre-match press conference in the absence of head coach Wedson Nyirenda and confirmed that left-back Prince Chiumia is unavailable after sustaining a groin injury in training earlier that day.
Said Munthali: “We will see what the doctor says about his fitness, but as of now, he is out of the squad.”
Chiumia joins captain Blessings Mpokera on the sidelines, with the skipper also recovering from a groin injury that kept him out of last weekend’s league encounter against Ekhaya FC.
Midfielder Paul Master remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a knee injury that has kept him out for several weeks, while Chrispin Mapemba is continuing his long-term rehabilitation after undergoing knee surgery in April.
Munthali also delivered positive news on Maxwell Phodo, confirming that the forward has returned to full training and is part of the squad travelling to the Central Region.
Phodo missed Bullets’ last two matches against Ekhaya in the Airtel Top 8 and FDH Bank Premiership but is now back in contention for Saturday’s trip to Dedza.
The former Bullets forward believes Phodo’s experience will provide a significant boost as The People’s Team look to return to winning ways and preserve their unbeaten league record this campaign.
“He has been training, and hopefully we will use him. He will add value to the team because he is an experienced player, and I think he will contribute a lot as we look to get a win in Dedza,” said Munthali.
Bullets head into Saturday’s encounter third in the FDH Bank Premiership standings, one point off the top after 10 matches, while Goshen City sit 14th.
