Bullets caught off-guard on women’s tourney

Nyasa Big Bullets have missed out on their women’s team Blantyre Zero’s participation in Cosafa Women’s Club Championship due to a communication breakdown with the Football Association of Malawi (FAM).

The tournament’s deadline for registration of the tournament was May 30.

In an interview yesterday,  Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said they were still waiting for FAM to furnish them with information regarding participation in the regional tournament whose winners and runners-up qualify for CAF Women’s Champions League.

He said: “We expressed interest and we are waiting to hear from FAM. In fact, we responded through [FAM competitions and communications director] Gomezgani Zakazaka.”

But FAM club licensing and compliance manager Casper Jangale said they never got a confirmation from Bullets on Blantyre Zero’s participation.

He said: “Bullets are very much aware of the procedures. Gone are the days when a team would just express interest through writing, but now there is a process and they have to meet some minimum club licensing requirements.

“The communication was sent through the National Women’s Football Association who contacted the eligible teams [Blantyre Zero and DD Sunshine] and the only response we got was from DD Sunshine who said they were not ready to take part.

“Under the circumstances, Blantyre Zero have missed the train as the deadline is long gone.”

Ironically, in the maiden edition of the tournament last year, DD Sunshine also blamed FAM for their failure to take part.

Bullets expressed their interest to join the tournament in May this year when Blantyre Zero emerged national champions after beating DD Sunshine in the final.

Bullets chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda then said: “We are eager to take part in the tournament and we are just waiting for FAM to provide us with the requirements.

“We believe we have what it takes to take part in the tournament.”