Kalisto Pasuwa admits pressure as fans turn their back

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets mentor Kalisto Pasuwa has emerged from his cocoon and admitted that his team is now a cause for concern following a string of poor and inconsistent results.

Pasuwa did not conceal his frustration when the People’s Team came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw with Civil Service United in a TNM Super League match at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday.

The result left Bullets languishing on sixth position with 17 points from 12 games, having drawn eight times, won thrice and lost once.

This is Bullets’ worst start since Pasuwa took over the side in 2018, and there seems to be no clear sign of improvement.

Frustrated Bullets fans turned their backs on the team when they drew with Civil, ignoring the customary final whistle greeting and acknowledgment from the players.

Pasuwa stressed the need for experienced players to lift the spirits of the under-pressure youngsters, especially with an eye on their upcoming Caf Champions League match against Red Arrows of Zambia next month.

“This performance is cause for concern. At best, we can only manage a draw. Last week, we were victorious here, beating Bangwe All Stars 5-0, but today we drew.

“We lacked senior players like Clyde Senaji and Collin Mujuru; we need their experience to motivate the younger players,” Pasuwa lamented.

Despite his concerns, Pasuwa remains confident that his team will perform well in the Caf Champions League.

Chairperson for Bullets National Supporters, Stone Mwamadi, urged fans to continue rallying behind the team despite their poor form.

“For the past four years, we have dominated Malawi football with the same players. Let us continue to support them regardless of this rough patch.

“I understand that losing or dropping points hurts, but our competitors have also faced similar challenges when we were winning everything. It’s only a matter of time before the team returns to winning ways,” Mwamadi said.

Analyst Roy Abram Mdechi suggested that Bullets need to introspect to address the concerns that have led to fans turning their backs on the team.

Bullets were without two key players, Patrick Mwaungulu and Lanjesi Nkhoma, who are expected to join TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo, pending successful medical assessments.