Goalkeeping crisis looms at, Big Bullets again
With less than two months before the 2016 football season, TNM Super League champions, Big Bullets have an impending goalkeeping problem to solve before they begin their title defence.
First-choice goalkeeper, Owen Chaima is on the verge of a move to an undisclosed Mozambican side, whereas Vincent Gona, who is one of Bullets’ top ‘keepers, will undergo an operation at Beit Cure Hospital in Blantyre.
Gona’s operation will cost Bullets about K3.1 million, and chances that he will feature for the People’s Team next season are slim.
Apparently, the two hardly featured during the second round of last season due to injuries. Chaima sustained a recurring shoulder injury, and eventually played in the final three league games.
Gona missed the better part of last season with muscle and nerve injuries around the stomach and spinal cord.
Following the injuries, Bullets signed Stain Kandale from Premier Division side, Sparc Hawks on loan.
In the absence of the two, Chimwemwe Kunkwawa manned the posts, and Bullets’ supporters eventually named him Goalkeeper of-the Season.
Bullets vice-secretary, Kelvin Moyo, said they were keeping their fingers crossed as they attempt to solve the problem.
Moyo said they were waiting for the Mozambican club to come up with an official bid for Chaima.
“It’s too early to disclose the club, but we have been in discussions for some time. Anyway, if they don’t come up with a concrete offer by next week, we will forget about them,” he said.
Moyo doubted if Gona will feature for Bullets this forthcoming season.
“By just looking at the cost of his operation, it shows that the process will likely be long. Maybe he might be available for selection during the last games of the forthcoming season,” he said.
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