Rachael Kaphaizi
The darkest hour continues for the one giant FCB Nyasa Big Bullets as they enter into the third week without a win. What they know for now are defeats and a draw.
They are coming from back to back defeats at the hands of their arch-rivals Mighty Wanderers before drawing to Blue Eagles on Thursday away at Nankhaka.
The first loss was a 3-0 drubbing in the TNM Super League to Wanderers, followed by a 1-0 defeat in the FDH Cup Semi-Finals to the same opponent. These results have left the team searching for consolation to their supporters.
In a bid to bounce back from their dismal form Bullets took on Eagles in the league in a match they desperately wanted to win to go top of the league. However, the match ended in a goalless draw, leaving the team frustrated.
“Fans are frustrated just like me. We tried to win the match but it was not that possible,” reacted their coach Peter Mponda after the match.
The team’s struggle in front of goal has been a major worry, with Bullets creating very few chances in their recent matches.
What is wrong with Bullets?
One of the football commentators, Atanazius Jabulani Jr, has attributed Bullets’ poor form to several factors, including lack of international exposure, specifically missing the CAF competitions, which used to give them valuable experience.
Jabulani also said the team has lost key players like Gomegzani Chirwa, Clyde Senaji, Lloyd Aaron, Alick Lungu and Nickson Nyasulu which has affected their performance.
He further pointed out that Bullets lacks quality strikers, relying on the same ones and not having sharp finishers.
“Back then, Bullets used to play better after playing in the CAF, but now their play is not impressive,” Jabulani explained.
“The lack of international exposure has been a major blow to Bullets. Missing CAF competitions has taken a toll on their performance. Bullets’ biggest problem is their lack of quality strikers, they’ve got a weaker striking force and the ones they rely on have been playing for a long time, which is affecting their finishing,” he added.
Similarly, sports journalist Idah Mwambazi, attributed Bullets’ struggles to their striking force, saying they are playing well but struggling to find the back of the net.
“The team is playing well, but it’s hard for them to find goals,” Mwambazi observed. They played well against Wanderers in the FDH Cup semi-finals and even played well against Eagles, but the finishing is a problem. They need strikers who can put the ball in the net,” she added.
So far, Bullets has lost 4 games in the TNM Super League this season, including first and second-round defeats to Wanderers, as well as losses to Civil Service United and Blue Eagles. They have 2 draws and 16 wins, making them the team with the most wins in the league.
The People’s team are still in second position having 50 points from 22 games, with their rivals leading the table with 51 points from 21 games.
