Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mabvuto Kambuwe
Published on 2024-04-18 07:12:07
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Coach Kalisto Pasuwa acknowledges that despite signing several new players, his team still has a lot of work to do in order to compete against top teams in the Caf Champions League. The team made significant moves during the recent domestic transfer window, bringing in seven new players including Ronald Chitiyo and Colin Mujuru from Zimbabwe, Lloyd Aaron from Civil Service United, goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu, and Nigerian striker Babatunde Adepoju, who returned to the club on loan from Venda Academy in South Africa.
Pasuwa, who led Bullets to a quadruple last season, emphasized the importance of finding a balance within the team to be competitive at the continental level. He highlighted the need for experienced players to guide the younger members and eliminate costly mistakes that might arise due to lack of experience. The coach stressed the importance of a strong spine in the team, from the goalkeeper to the strikers, in order to compete against formidable teams like Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroccan clubs in the Caf Champions League.
Despite winning five consecutive TNM Super League titles with Bullets since 2018, Pasuwa has faced challenges in the Caf Champions League. Last year, the team made it to the second preliminary round but was ultimately eliminated by TP Mazembe. The coach is determined to rectify these shortcomings and elevate the team’s performance in continental competitions.
Sports analyst Parry Chinyama echoed Pasuwa’s sentiments, acknowledging the team’s current limitations. He emphasized the importance of addressing weaknesses within the team, especially if they are struggling against smaller teams in the domestic league. Chinyama agreed that competing in the Caf Champions League will require significant improvements in all departments of the team.
Bullets’ last successful run in the group stage of the Caf Champions League dates back to 2004 under the management of Kinnah Phiri. The team has since been working towards reclaiming that level of success on the continental stage.
The team’s TNM Super League title defense got off to a slow start with a 1-1 draw against Dedza Dynamos and a goalless draw with Mighty Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre. These early challenges have highlighted the areas where the team needs to improve in order to remain competitive both domestically and in international competitions.
Overall, Pasuwa and his team are focused on strengthening their squad, finding the right balance, and gaining valuable experience to enhance their performance in the Caf Champions League. With determination and strategic improvements, the FCB Nyasa Big Bullets aim to rise to the challenge and compete among the best in African football.
Read the original article on The Times
