Bullets provide updates on Salima, Mapemba and Jovinala ahead of FDH Cup clash against KB

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have received a timely fitness boost with the return of attacking sensation Chikumbutso Salima ahead of their crucial FDH Bank Cup quarterfinal encounter against Kamuzu Barracks on Saturday.

The People’s Team will welcome the Yellow Submarines to Kamuzu Stadium in what promises to be a keenly contested battle for a place in the semifinals of the country’s premier knockout competition.

Assistant Coach Gilbert Chirwa, speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference in Blantyre, confirmed that Salima has made a full recovery and will be available for selection. The news comes as a significant relief for Bullets, who have been without their scintillating attacker since he sustained an injury during the league victory over Silver Strikers.

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“Chikumbutso is back in training with the rest of the squad and I’m very sure that he will be available for selection against Kamuzu Barracks,” Chirwa told reporters.

Salima’s injury, picked up in Bullets’ vital 2-1 win against Silver, had forced the youngster to withdraw from the Malawi National Team camp that was preparing for fixtures against Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé. His return adds much-needed firepower to Bullets’ attacking options as they chase their fourth consecutive semifinal appearance.

However, the news was less encouraging regarding defender Crispin Mapemba, who continues his recovery from a lengthy injury that has kept him sidelined throughout the current season. While Mapemba has resumed training, Chirwa indicated the youngster is still some way from match fitness.

“Andrew Jovinala is back but not fully fit, same applies to Crispin Mapemba. He is back but not fully fit and not available for selection. I’m sure that he will be available for selection in a few weeks coming,” the assistant coach explained.

Bullets enter Saturday’s quarterfinal with an impressive recent record in the FDH Bank Cup. The Blantyre giants have reached the final in each of the last three seasons, claiming the trophy in 2022 and 2023 before falling to Blue Eagles in last year’s final. A win against Kamuzu Barracks would keep alive their hopes of reclaiming the silverware and cementing their status as the competition’s dominant force.

With Salima’s return bolstering their attacking options, Bullets will be confident of navigating past the Yellow Submarines and booking their place in the last four. Kick-off at Kamuzu Stadium is set for Saturday afternoon.