Big Bullets leave without striker Babatunde Adepoju
Malawi’s ambassadors in the Caf Champions League, Nyasa Big Bullets, flew out to South Africa Wednesday without striker Babatunde Adepoju due to visa hitches.
Bullets face Amazulu in the preliminary round first leg match of the elite continental club competition at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban Friday.
The former Mighty Wanderers striker is expected to travel this morning.
Bullets Chief Executive Officer Suzgo Nyirenda downplayed the matter.
“The issue has been sorted out and we expect him to travel. We have been advised that he needs to get a permit from the South African Embassy before starting off,” Nyirenda said.
Bullets flew off with a squad of 20 players, with Ernest Kakhobwe, Nixon Nyasulu, Chimwemwe Idana and Gomezgani Chirwa remaining behind in South Africa alongside goalkeeper trainer Swadick Sanudi.
The five were part of the Flames squad that beat Mozambique 1-0 in the 2022 World Cup qualifier at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.
Coach Kalisto Pasuwa has also included goalkeepers Rabson Chiyenda and Richard Chimbamba.
Veteran striker Chiukepo Msowoya and defender Sankhani Mkandawire have also traveled.
But striker Hassan Kajoke has missed the trip due to an injury whereas Antony Mfune has been ruled out as he is reported to be unfit for the match.
Bullets host Amazulu in the return leg at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday next week.
Bullets last participated in the Caf Champions League in 2019, when they exited in the preliminary round after a 3-2 loss to Zimbabwe’s FC Platinum.
In 2018, Bullets were also booted out after losing 4-3 on post-match penalties to Gor Mahia of Kenya after a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time.
