Bullets, Mponda finalise deal

Back to his roots. Nyasa Big Bullets have sealed their legend and former captain Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda’s return as assistant coach.

The People’s Team director of administration Albert Chigoga on Tuesday said the former Flames assistant coach has been hired on a nine-month contract.

“He will be second in charge to head coach Callisto Pasuwa.

“We are excited with his [Mponda] return. Being a legendary figure and someone who knows the culture of the team, we expect him to add value to the team,” he said.

Mponda, who also captained the Flames for over a decade, was expected to get down to work on Tuesday ahead of the latest episode of the Blantyre derby between the People’s Team and their age-old rivals Be Forward Wanderers in the TNM Super League on Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium.

Oh his part, Mponda said he is delighted to return to the side that gave him the platform to scale lofty heights.

“I am excited, more especially that I am back to where I was made. I am grateful to the Bullets board for their confidence in me. I am grateful to FAM president [Walter Nyamilandu] for trusting me to be assistant coach for the Malawi national team.

“I learnt a lot from former Flames coach RVG [Ronny van Geneugden], he helped me to grow and, more importantly, I am grateful to the tactician Callisto Pasuwa for seeing me as someone who can add value to the team, my loyalty goes to him,” he said.

Bullets director responsible for supporters Stone Mwamadi said they have welcomed Mponda back into the fold.

“He is our son and it is time for him to plough back the knowledge he had gained over the years into the team.

“He is assured of our full support,” he said.