Bullets’ Chiukepo, Chaima to wait longer for CAF: Ramadhan not panicking

Bullets FC have been hit below the belt after Confederation of African Football (CAF) indicated that new signings goalkeeper Owen Chaima and striker Chiukepo Msowoya are not eligible to play against Fomboni FC in the first leg of the preliminary round.

Bullets coach Nsazwirwimo Ramadhan told Matindi FM in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania that CAF wrote Football Association of Malawi  to inform that the two players would not allowed to play.

Ramadhan said the development was big blow to the team but there is no need to press the panic button.

“Of course we would have loved to have available for selection for the game,” Ramadhan said.

“But now we will have to decide on their replacements. Chiukepo is an experienced striker and Chaima is equally important to the team.”

FAM Commercial Manager Casper Jangale, who is also responsible for players transfer, confirmed that four players registered late by Bullets Chiukepo, Chaima, Harvey Mkacha and Peter Mwangosi would not eligible to play.

Jangale said the players would only be able to play if Bullets reach the quarterfinal stage.

“It’s true that CAF have written informing us that Bullets would not be able to use the players they registered late in the preliminary round,” Jangale said.

“They can only be able to use them if they will progress to the quarterfinal stages.”

Meanwhile, Bullets has arranged an emergency trip to substitute goalkeeper Chimwemwe Kunkwawa.

Kumkwawa has left by road and is expected to join the squad in Tanzania by Friday.

The team is expected to fly out to Comoros Island on Saturday ready for the encounter.