Dust has, after weeks of turmoil, seemingly settled in FCB Nyasa Big Bullets camp following the intervention of club president Konrad Buckle.
Buckle visited the team’s training ground on Tuesday, which came at a time the team has been struggling in the TNM Super League.
He surprised them with K10 million cash, which will be shared by players, who boycotted training last week over what they claimed to be unpaid allowances.
His visit was a direct response to the players’ request.
The players had longed for a face-to- face meeting with Bullets top brass.
Buckle urged players to fight for the Bullets badge.
“You, as players, should be proud for playing for Bullets. When you win matches, you should not just win to excite management, supporters even the board, but you should also win matches for yourself.
“For you to be stars in the country and across the borders, you need to put your career first as you play for the Bullets badge,” Buckle told the players.
Bullets had been rocked with internal squabbles for one month, coupled with poor performances of the team in the league.
As if that were not enough, High Court sheriffs impounded the team’s bus over unpaid dues to former coach Franco Ndawa.
However, the matter has been resolved after Bullets paid K25 million.
The dust seems to have settled when Bullets are beginning their FDH Bank Cup title defence against Bangwe All Stars at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Sunday.
Bullets captain Precious Sambani said Buckle’s visit has rejuvenated the players.
“All the issues are water under the bridge after meeting our club president. We need to show our appreciation to him and the entire Bullets family by winning the match against Bangwe,’’ Sambani said.
Bullets have made the worst start to a season in recent years after registering three wins, seven stalemates and one loss in 11 matches.
They are fifth on the log table with 16 points, 13 behind highflying Silver Strikers.
Interestingly, former Bullets captain and defender Peter Mponda is in charge of Silver.
On his part, Bullets interim Chief Executive Officer Albert Chigoga said he believed that the meeting between Buckle and players could be the turning point for the team this season.
“It was a crucial meeting as players had demanded to meet the club president. It is good that all the issues have been resolved,” Chigoga, who has replaced Suzgo Nyirenda after his contract was not renewed, said.
Meanwhile, sports analyst Parry Chinyama has said what Buckle has done is the first step towards turning things around.
“A good leader should be able to read the signs and identify problems.
“Now that he says he will address all issues regarding players, the onus is on the players to prove that the below-par performances were a result of those concerned issues,’’ he said.
Bullets won an unprecedented quadruple last season.
The People’s Team will take part in the Caf Champions League this year.
