The landscape for Nyasa Big Bullets supporters’ committee elections is fast shaping up, with three individuals vying for the hot seat of chairperson.
The three are Chingeni Gumbala, Anack Mbaya and Billy Severe.
The winner will replace Stone Mwamadi who decided against defending his position.
Bullets are yet to announce a date for the polls with about a month to the expiry of incumbent office bearers’ terms.
Mbaya said he has supported the team for many years and believes he has garnered enough experience to lead the supporters committee.
“Time has come for me to lead my fellow Bullets supporters. I started supporting Bullets since I was a small child way back in the 1970s. I remember welcoming my fellow supporters in Johannesburg, South Africa, when they came to support our team during the Caf Champions league match against Orlando Pirates which we lost 2-1 in Port Elizabeth.
“I remember it was Ganizani Malunga who scored Bullets’ lone goal. I have been with Bullets through thick and thin and I feel this is my time to lead my fellow supporters. My first assignment will be creating more supporters’ Lions.
At the time of joining MDF, Juwaya was Wanderers’ first choice and was even earning national team call-ups.
However, the story is different now as he is struggling to break into Lions’ first eleven.
The Zomba-based soldiers also have Innocent Bokosi who was once a prolific striker but is now forgotten despite still being young.
Recently, there have been reports that Civo Service United striker Raphael Phiri, Ekwendeni Hammers defender Maneno Nyoni and Lusekelo Malema of Karonga United have all gone for military training.
Sports analyst George Kaudza-Masina said it was time MDF changed its approach to sports.
“MDF should try to strike a balance between one being a soldier and an athlete. The challenge with MDF is that military duties come first and sports second. As such, there is no consistency in the athletes’ performances. And again when the athletes realise that they finally have a full-time job with the assurance of a salary at the end of the month, they tend to relax.
“On a positive note, MDF has structures to help improve athletes’ performances. Athletes are given all the time and resources to train and rewards in terms of promotions. Such things are supposed to motivate the athletes to continue performing. Unfortunately, this is not happening,” Kaudza Masina said.
Mkacha, speaking in his personal capacity, said every player has high and low moments.
“I have played for KB for eight years and we have history. We won the Super League title and some cups. Whatever people are saying about our performance going down has been proved wrong,” the former Silver Strikers forward said.
Mkacha helped KB to win the league title in 2016, Carlsberg Cup in 2013 and Fisd Challenge Cup in 2017.
MDF also boasts of top boxers such as Wilson Masamba, Osgood Kayuni, Salim Chazama, Chimwemwe Chiotcha and Chrispin Moliati.
But since becoming soldiers, the fighters have never lived up to their billing in both local and international bouts.
Female boxers Anisha Bashir and Ruth Chisale also joined military last year.
Runners such as Kefasi Kasten and Francis Khanje are also soldiers.
However, sports consultant Kelvin Moyo believes MDF should not be blamed for athletes’ poor performance.
Peter Fote is a Sports Journalist with huge experience in radio and Television reporting, production and presentation. He once worked with Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and is currently working for Times Media Group.