Bullets recall Chimbamba after Nyasulu’s recent struggles in goals

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have confirmed that veteran goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba has returned to training, ending a weeks-long disciplinary standoff that had left the team with a depleted goalkeeping department ahead of crucial fixtures against Kamuzu Barracks and Creck Sporting Club in Lilongwe.

The 30-year-old shot-stopper, who has spent eight years with the club, had been absent from the squad for several weeks following what Head Coach Peter Mponda described as “issues” that led to the player severing ties with training sessions.

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The controversy began during preparations for the highly anticipated Blantyre derby against Mighty Wanderers in the TNM Super League. According to reports within the club, Chimbamba allegedly arrived late for a training session, prompting the technical panel to request an apology from the goalkeeper.

Chimbamba reportedly refused to issue the requested apology, marking the beginning of his self-imposed exile from the team. The standoff saw him miss two consecutive Blantyre derbies—both the league match and the FDH Bank Cup fixture, which Bullets lost.

Mponda first revealed the situation ahead of Bullets’ fixture against Blue Eagles at Nankhaka Stadium on November 7, confirming that Chimbamba had effectively cut ties with the team’s training sessions.

The absence of Chimbamba forced Bullets’ coaching staff to navigate recent fixtures with only Austin Chirambo as the substitute goalkeeper on the bench—a precarious situation for any team with championship ambitions.

Innocent Nyasulu has been the most featured goalkeeper this season but has come under criticism after conceding three goals against Mighty Wanderers in a league game and another three against Civo Services United last weekend. The poor performances have led some supporters to call for Chimbamba’s recall.

Chimbamba, who was named the club’s best goalkeeper in the 2024 season, has been limited to just nine appearances across all competitions this season—a dramatic reduction from his previous involvement.

However, Assistant Coach Gilbert Chirwa made it clear that Chimbamba’s return does not guarantee immediate selection, stating that Nyasulu remains the first-choice goalkeeper.

“Our first-choice goalkeeper is Innocent Nyasulu. Yes, sometimes he makes mistakes, but in-field players also make mistakes,” said Chirwa.

“Richard Chimbamba is around. Final selection will depend on the technical evaluation ahead of Thursday’s match.”

Bullets face a demanding schedule in Lilongwe, with a Thursday fixture against Kamuzu Barracks at Civo Stadium before traveling to Mchinji to face Creck Sporting on Sunday.

The return of Chimbamba provides the technical panel with options as they look to navigate these crucial fixtures and maintain their championship challenge.