Malawi: Mponda insists Kenyan Senaji not Nyasa Big Bullets’ key player

Senaji: Photo Credit: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets media.

Defender Clydle Senaji’s future at FCB Nyasa Big Bullets hangs in the balance after coach Peter Mponda questioned the Kenyan’s quality and commitment to the Malawi giants.

The People’s Team handler addressed the issue of the ex-Tusker FC centre-back following social media reports that he wants out of the TNM Super League side. The reports had suggested that the defender had fallen out with the coach.

HOW SENAJI FELL OUT AT BULLETS

Questions about the Kenyan’s future with the Blantyre-based side intensified after Mponda substituted him during a league game against Mighty Wanderers, who went on to win 1-0 on June 2, 2025, at Kamuzu Stadium.

Senaji’s early first-half substitution came weeks after he was stripped of the captaincy for reasons that were never made public. Mponda gave the armband to Aaron.

Addressing the media on Thursday in Blantyre, Mponda described reports of the fallout between him and the defender as noise.

MPONDA ON SOCIAL MEDIA NOISE

“There has been a lot of noise on social media, but here is the truth: while I was away with the national team, I was told that he had flu. He recovered but didn’t return to training, saying he needed to speak to me. When we met, he said he had gone to the office to request leave. We are in the middle of the season—why would a player request to leave without an emergency?” he said.

The former Silver Strikers coach then raised questions on Senaji’s contributions to the Bullets’ cause, saying he was not a key player.

“Honestly, last season he played fewer than 12 games. Is he a key player? I don’t think so. I even made him captain this season, but due to issues, we gave the armband to Lloyd Aaron. As an international player, you need to offer more than local players. We are still waiting for him to return so we can discuss things properly.”

MAKING A U-TURN ON SENAJI

This is a U-turn for the Bullets coach, who lauded the former AFC Leopards defender’s qualities after appointing him as captain in April 2025.

“Clyde Senaji will be our captain. It wasn’t a difficult choice; he is highly experienced and has strong leadership qualities. Having served as vice-captain last season, he is already familiar with the responsibility,” Mponda said.

The Kenyan replaced previous Bullets skipper Gomezgani Chirwa after he left to sign for FC Platinum in the Zimbabwe Premiership.

The Kenyan is unlikely to be involved when Bullets take on Karonga United in an Airtel Top 8 semifinal on Saturday, June 21, 2025.