Mponda says Goalkeeper Mkungula clears his “personal issues”

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Head Coach Peter Mponda has confirmed that personal issues were preventing goalkeeper Clever Mkungula from featuring in the team’s recent matches.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper has not played a single competitive game this season and is reportedly frustrated with his lack of game time. Since July, Mkungula has been sidelined as Mponda has preferred Innocent Nyasulu and Richard Chimbamba between the posts.

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Speaking during the pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s postponed game against Dedza Dynamos, Mponda revealed that the personal issues have been resolved and Mkungula is expected to return to the squad for upcoming fixtures.

However, the coach emphasized that the reserve graduate will need to earn his place back, given the strong competition within the goalkeeping department.

“He had some personal challenges, but we sat down and talked through everything. I gave him a guarantee that he is a very important player for the team,” Mponda explained.

“Yes, there is strong competition in the squad, especially in the goalkeeping department. It’s up to every player to fight for his place. I love working with Clever and I believe he can contribute to the team.”

Mkungula faces an uphill battle to reclaim his position, as both Nyasulu and Chimbamba have been impressive this season. The duo has conceded just 11 goals in 22 games across all competitions, with Nyasulu keeping eight clean sheets in 13 matches and Chimbamba recording three shutouts in four appearances.

The goalkeeper was promoted from Bullets Reserve under former coach Kalisto Pasuwa in 2022 and played a significant role in the team’s campaigns from 2022 to 2024, accumulating 34 appearances under Pasuwa, who now serves as head coach of the national team.

Mkungula had a great season in 2022 and was named the best goalkeeper at the club before helping the team to win quadruple titles in the 2023. However, in 2024, his game involvement was limited due to injury that sidelined him out of the pitch for the better part of the season.

With the personal issues now behind him, Mkungula will be looking to prove his worth and challenge for a starting position in what has become a highly competitive goalkeeping department at the Malawian champions.