Slap in the face: Coach faults BB on new signings

Nyasa Big Bullets coach Callisto Pasuwa says the club’s new signings have disturbed his plans for the forthcoming season.

Pasuwa told Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Radio 2FM on Sunday that the development has affected his plans of promoting players from the reserve side.

So far, the People’s Team has signed defenders Precious Sambani and Gomezgani Chirwa, midfielder Ben Manyozo and striker Luke Chima.

“My initial plan was to bring in new players from the reserve side as most of the guys [we have] are ageing, but now the move by the club to sign new players has disturbed my plans,” said the Zimbabwean.

His claims raise questions about his involvement in the identification and recommendation of players at the People’s Team.

However, Bullets chief executive officer (CEO) Fleetwood Haiya contradicted Pasuwa, saying all the new signings were recommended by him.

“I am very surprised because all the players we bought were on his [recommendation]…actually what you are saying is news to me, perhaps I need to get in touch with the coach,” he said.

Haiya also said all the players from the reserve side which Pasuwa recommended have been promoted.

“Actually, we have promoted four players outright while four others will be semi-seniors, so I fail to understand what he means,” he said.

The Bullets CEO could not reveal the identities of the promoted players, but said there is a goalkeeper, central defender, midfielder and a centre forward.

“Actually, it was discussed that in considering new players, the first option should be from our reserve team,” he said.

A football analyst George Kaudza Masina said what is coming out is that the club did not seek the coach’s views on the possible signings “because if they did, then he would not have come out publicly”.

He said: “Maybe they sought the coaching panel’s views, but not necessarily the head coach who is supposed to be the key person.”