Bullets to take Fomboni by storm
It might have taken 11 years, but Big Bullets are set to rekindle memories of their continental romance this afternoon when they engage Club Fomboni at Stade De Moroni here in the Comoros.
The weather has not been kind, with temperatures soaring to 32 degrees at times, but Fischer Kondowe and his troops are determined to start on a good note in their bid to turn back the hands of time to 11 years when they defied the odds to qualify for the group stages of the continental showpiece.
It is a match that has not created much hype as surprisingly, the limelight was hogged by yesterday’s CAF Confederations Cup preliminary tie between Volcan Club from the Comoros and Petro Atletico of Angola.
Even in Friday’s edition of the leading daily, The Tribune, on national television and on posters mounted across Moroni, the jazz is more about the Confederations Cup tie rather than the Bullets encounter.
“It is all because Fomboni are based on another island within the Comoros while Volcan are based here in Moroni.
“But that does not mean there will be no people at the match on Sunday because the stadium will be equally full,” said Aboobaker, a waiter at Retaji Moroni Hotel where Bullets have been booked.
And as of Friday, both the hosts and Bullets were yet to arrive in Moroni. The two teams were expected to arrive yesterday.
But Bullets GS Harold Fote, who is already in Moroni, said despite the quiet mood, they are anticipating an intimidating atmosphere today.
“I believe the mood is building up slowly because both teams are yet to arrive. Nevertheless, our mission is to win on Sunday and then finish the job in the return leg,” said Fote.
Youthful Fomboni president, Hoyden Madi, said to them, this will be a learning experience.
“I think, realistically, your team stands a chance because they have participated in this tournament before while it will be the first time for us.
“But we have joined because we feel we are ready and we want to win on Sunday,” said Madi.
He also disclosed that save for tips from their Malawian player Wister Phiri, they have no clue about Bullets.
Fomboni’s key players include veteran Nasser Bours and Ahmed.
—Story sponsored by Bantley Ballpoint and Exercise Books
