Malawi: Chirwa welcomes Bullets’ caretaker role

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC interim coach Gilbert Chirwa has welcomed the mandate of leading the TNM Super League side following the sacking of his boss Peter Mponda last week.

Management of the Blantyre-based team fired Mponda after failing to meet the target of winning the league title. Six defeats, including twice to bitter rivals Mighty Wanderers at home and away, cost the club’s legend the job.

Now, the caretaker coach will be in charge on Saturday when Bullets wind up the league race with a game against Ekwendeni Hammers. The visiting opponents also badly need a win as they are at serious threat of relegation.

“I can say that I welcome the decision and responsibility that comes with it. I am ready to work hard with the boys and move forward together,” Chirwa told the club’s website.

Chirwa and the challenge ahead at FCB Nyasa Big Bullets

The Malawian legend said he is aware of the challenge of leading the country’s biggest club in terms of trophies won and fan base. The former Bullets captain has since called for support saying his players need encouragement when the chips are down.

“My main task is to organise the players and try to put them in the right shape. We want to do our level best in the final game on Saturday,” he added.

While the 17-time champions welcome back leading striker Babatunde Adepoju from suspension, they will also be without key players Mike Mkwate, Aaron Chilipa, Blessings Mpokera and Chrispin Mapemba.

Bullets lie in second place, five points behind champions-in-waiting Wanderers and at par with third-placed outgoing holders Silver Strikers. Goal-aggregate separate Bullets from Strikers meaning that the former is not guaranteed of finishing in second place.

Full final fixtures:

Karonga United vs Chitipa United- Karonga Stadium

Bullets v Ekwendeni Hammers–Kamuzu Stadium

Songwe Border vs Civil Service United- Chitipa Stadium

Mighty Wanderers vs Kamuzu Barracks- Bingu National Stadium