FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have made a bold statement, declaring that the People’s Team would not be forced to persuade players to stay at the Airtel Top 8 winners.
This follows reports of contractual standoff between the team and some key players including captain Gomezgani Chirwa, Nickson Nyasulu and Alick Lungu who are yet to extend their deals.
Bullets acting Chief Executive Officer Albert Chigoga said Bullets does not want to force any player to sign a contract as it is against professionalism.
“We appreciate the services that these players render to the club. At Bullets, we do not want to cow them [players] into submission to sign a contract under any circumstances. Football in Malawi is being run professionally.
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“As a club that wants to continue to be a model of professionalism in Malawi as far as club football is concerned, we will also engage players and sign them properly. In engaging players we have to listen to them and they have to listen to us, and we must come to a compromise and agree on terms of contract.
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“That is what we do at Bullets. That is why we are saying that if the player wants to sign a contract with us he must sign the contract on the basis of what we agreed as both parties,” he said.
Chigogo said Chirwa and Nyasulu had already agreed to extend their contracts at the People’s Team.
“We had an offer as a club but they [Chirwa and Nyasulu] also negotiated that they wanted some clauses improved in terms of salaries and signing on fees. We agreed and expected them to sign the contracts, something which they did not do. The next thing we heard was that they were on their way to Zimbabwe without the blessings of the club,” he said.
The Bullets interim CEO said the club does not want to force players to sign contracts because it compromises their performance.
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“As a club we believe gone are the days when club officials would be going to houses of players and have them sign contracts through intimidation or whatever. Or using supporters to force them.
“Once you do that players cannot give their best because they signed the contract out of intimidation and under duress,” he said.
Chigoga said contrary to speculation no player had rejected a contract at Bullets.
He said the only player who was remaining to sign a contract was Mike Mkwate.
“His situation is trickery because he was injured last season and we wanted a medical report to clear and an input of the new head coach,” Chigoga said.
Meanwhile, midfielder Yankho Singo and versatile Blessings Mpokera extend their contracts at Bullets.
Singo signed a contract extension to 2028 whereas Mpokera’s contract will expire in 2027.
Bullets have also roped in defender Blessings Joseph, 28, from Chitipa United on a three-year deal and centre back Chikumbutso Henderson, 29, from Mzuzu City Hammers, on two-year deal.
Mponda, speaking after the two signings, said the team wanted to beef up the defence.
“Going forward in terms of attack, we are okay, but we have gaps in defence,” he said.
