Confusion resurfaces at BB camp
The confusion that recently threatened to cripple Big Bullets FC operations has resurfaced following the re-emergence of two camps.
There were reports over Christmas that Bullets players had boycotted training over outstanding dues, but the club’s general secretary Higger Mkandawire on Wednesday dismissed the claims and blamed the club’s board of trustees secretary Kinnah Phiri and supporters committee vice-chairperson Isaac Osman of being behind the confusion.
Mkandawire said while the players are indeed owed some game bonuses, the issue is being blown out of proportion by a section of the club which is pursuing its own interests from behind the scenes.
Said Mkandawire: “We have evidence that some people within the set-up are trying to create confusion by using a section of the players and the supporters, but they will not succeed.
“Just a few days ago, they were spreading false reports that players had boycotted training which was not true at all.
“The truth of the matter is that the players are indeed owed some money, but on Christmas Day, we gave them bonuses for two games [against Kabwafu and Azam Tigers] and the reason the team did not train was because our training venue, College of Medicine, was temporarily closed due to the festive season,” said Mkandawire.
He said the club now owes players game bonuses for only four games.
“It is an issue that is being blown out of proportion by people who have their own motives such as Kinnah and Osman. We are aware of that,” said Mkandawire.
He also said it is unfortunate that all this is happening at a time when the team is preparing for a crucial TNM Super League game against their sworn rivals Mighty Wanderers on Sunday.
Kinnah said it is unfortunate that the club’s leadership is blaming him for the situation.
“If anything, it is I who has been trying hard to control the situation. A number of fans have been coming to me to demand the removal of the executive committee, but I have told them that it is not the best way to address problems.
“We need to wait until the end of the season and then map the way forward. I suggested that since this was just an interim committee, the best way would be to call for an AGM at the end of the season so that we have fresh elections,” said Kinnah.
Osman could not be reached for comment while team captain Fischer Kondowe dismissed the reports on the boycott.
“The reports are emanating from internal club politics. Of course, the players did raise the issue, but I told them that the best way forward would not be to boycott training. So, the truth of the matter is that it is business as usual and we are preparing for the game against Wanderers,” said Kondowe.
