Bullets take on Civo United in Standard Bank Knock out Cup semi-final today at Kamuzu Stadium. However, the Super League champions are concerned that fatigue would take a toll on players that were with the national team.
Bullets vice-general secretary Kelvin Moyo said they were in a dilemma on whether to feature in-form left back Yamikani Fodya and centre back Miracle Gabeya, after participating in two-legged World Cup preliminary qualifier in the last five days.
Winger Dalitso Sailesi and Pilirani Zonda are the other players that were part of the Flames, but they were not featured. The four players rejoined their team in preparation for the Standard Bank tie against Civo.
However, it is Gabeya and Fodya who, if featured today, means they would have played three games in six days. This is minus the Blantyre derby which they also played just before they left for Tanzania.
“With Gabeya and Fodya, we don’t have a choice. The technical committee needs to come up with a comprehensive plan on how to deal with the situation,” Moyo said.
The technical committee’s option is to shift around the players positions with Ian Chinyama replacing Fodya while Bashir Maunde could replace Gabeya.
However, Moyo still insisted that this could not be a solution since all Bullets players have not rested since last season after participating in CAF Champions League.
“If truth be told, we do not have an option. All our players are suffering from fatigue. This is not good as it will take a toll on their physical abilities at some point,” he said.
Moyo cited midfielder Fischer Kondowe and defender Sankhani Mkandawire, who, despite recovering from injuries, they have been rested to recover.
“They are both fine, but all they need is to rest,” Moyo said. “Their bodies have had enough.”
Bullets technical director Billy Tewesa, while optimistic of carrying the day today, echoed the same concerns.
“We started training well. Apart from the fatigue and injuries setbacks, we are ready for the game,” Tewesa said. “We will have to make do with the players that are available.”
Meanwhile, Civo say they have a full squad for the semi-final.
Assistant coach Beggie Mwagomba said time has come for the civil servants to end cup drought.
“It’s been a long time since Civo last won a cup,” he said. “We would like to end the cup drought with Standard Bank Knockout Cup.”
The last silverware for Civo was the Presidential Cup in 2010.
