Mwakilama speaks out on why he shunned Bullets

THE Flames Under-20 forward, Abel Mwakilama, has disclosed that he turned down Nyasa Big Bullets’ offer and opted for Moyale Barracks because the former lacks clear ownership.

The Chitipa United red-hot striker has been a long time target for some Super League top clubs, especially Moyale Barracks, Silver Strikers and Bullets.

He, however, said he was reluctant to join Bullets because he cannot feel comfortable playing for a club that is run by supporters.

“Playing for Bullets? No. That is a supporters’ club. In case one is not delivering to their expectations, supporters will be the ones showering insults at you. Thereafter, you start receiving death threats from them [supporters],” said Mwakilama, who is training with Moyale.

“Of course, they [Bullets] have been contacting me now and again. [But] my heart has been with Moyale Barracks. If I were to play for another team, then it would be Chitipa because it is my home town team and it is always close to my heart.”

Bullets Chairperson, Noel Lipipa, who is an admirer of the 20-year-old, felt that Chitipa officials were behind the failed transfer of Mwakilama. Veteran soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda said what the young striker has said about Bullets should be a wake-up call to the giants.

“He [Mwakilama] is right. There is no way a team can be directed by supporters. The problem is the People’s Team phrase. Other supporters think they own the club,” said Nyirenda, a former Bullets general secretary.

“Whenever someone suggests that the team should go commercial, others will protest. They think they love Bullets because, at the end of the day, they benefit from the team.”

Bullets recently scored 47 percent from the required 70 percent threshold to obtain a licence for participation in the 2017 Super League season, according to First Instance Body (FIB).

The People’s Team house was earlier this month torn apart over the issue of commercialisation. The confusion culminated in the resignation of the Board of Trustees followed by Nyasa Manufacturing Company’s suspension of sponsorship.