Former Nyasa Big Bullets players on Saturday formed the Bullets Veterans football team in style as they beat Southern Region (SR) Socials 3-2 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
One of the team’s founding members, Isaacs Msuku, said the formation of the outfit aims at keeping themselves in good physical shape while sharing ideas on how to assist fellow veterans that are struggling financially after retiring from active football.
“It is no secret that most former Bullets players are struggling financially and we thought it could be wise to help each other while playing social football,” he said.
Msuku added that the outfit will also get involved in charity after electing committee members next Wednesday at the end of an encounter against Mudi Socials at Kamuzu Stadium.
On Saturday, the outfit got a K250 000 starterpack and some refreshments such as Vital Pure Water and ThumbsUp soft drink courtesy of Rab Processors Limited, which made the donation after being approached by SR Socials, a team comprising sports administrators and journalists.
Rab Processors marketing manager Anthony Kafuwa said they felt obliged to “raise awareness about the plight of former Bullets players, some of whom are struggling and cannot fend for themselves”.
SR Socials chairperson Daud Mtanthiko said although they lost the ceremonial match, they are happy with the introduction of the Bullets Veterans team.
“The Bullets Veterans’ initiative augurs well with SR Socials purpose of helping the needy and we are happy to be part of this historic event,” he said.
Nyasa Manufacturing Company chief executive officer Fleetwood Haiya, whose firm sponsors Bullets, said the company will try its best to assist the veterans achieve their goals.
Legislator for Blantyre City South Noel Lipipa, who is also former Bullets chairperson and director, said he is happy that the former players have realised the importance of assisting each other through a social team and he asked veterans of other clubs to follow suit. Lipipa featured in the game alongside former Bullets players such as James Chimera Jnr, Andrew Chikhosi, Rahim Ishmael, Richard Mambelera, Peter Mponda, John Phiri, Swadick Sanudi, Vincent Gona, Afiki Sikelo, Fundi Akidu and Noel Kaole. Other Bullets legends such as Thom Kazembe, Charles Mbalule and Chance ‘Vinnie’ Gondwe watched the game alongside former Bullets chairperson Yusuf Matumula.
