Kondi adamant on CAF tourney
Newly crowned TNM Super League champions Big Bullets’ chairperson Kondi Msungama has insisted that despite tales of doom and gloom, the People’s Team will take part in the CAF Champions League.
Speaking soon after the team’s 1-0 victory over Moyale Barracks on Saturday, Msungama said they will now switch focus to preparing for the elite continental club showpiece.
“Upon my election, I promised to win the league championship. Inevitably, there were bricks thrown at me, with some people even saying that I was completely out of touch with reality and I did not know what I was talking about.
“Now, I am saying we will manage to take part in the Champions League and prophets of doom are out with their guns blazing, suggesting that it is a joke, but I will prove them wrong and will take part in the tournament,” said Msungama.
Recently, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) backtracked on its earlier stand that Bullets could not be allowed to take part in any continental tournament because they do not meet the requirements and they are not licensed.
FAM has since filed an application on behalf of Bullets to participate in the 19th edition of the CAF Champions League which will start in March next year.
FAM general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said: “Although there are yet to prove that they meet all the requirements to take part in the tournament, all the same we sent the documentation because we did not want to be seen as blocking them from participating in the tournament.
“Nevertheless, by December 31 CAF will determine whether their application has been accepted.
The FAM GS said the crucial aspect is whether Bullets have the financial muscle to meet the demands of taking part in such an elite tournament.
The fine that is imposed for pulling out before the draw is $10 000 [about K5.15 million] and between $25 000 [about K12.8 million] and $50 000 [about K15.7 million] for pulling out when the tournament is in progress.
“And when a club fails to pay the fine, it is the association that suffers the consequences like it was a couple of years back when we were taken to task for Escom United’s withdrawal. So, we only hope Bullets are aware of that and that they are financially ready,” added Nyirenda.
However, Bullets GS Harold Fote said there are prospective sponsors waiting in the wings to bankroll some of the costs.
“We also believe that with a sound marketing strategy, proceeds from gate-collections and TV rights, we can generate funding for the campaign. If we are able to raise K15 million in a local game against Zomba United, surely we should be able to raise double as match.
“We have also lined up a number of fund-raising activities that will commence soon after the league,” said Fote.
