Kondowe: Have left my role without grudge against anyone, I’m proud of my legacy at Bullets

“Dear Mawule, I would like to address you in respect of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ decision to part ways with me as a Second Assistant Coach.”

With these words, Fischer “Jahman” Kondowe began what would become one of the most emotionally charged statements. After 24 years of unwavering service to the club—first as a player, then as a coach—Kondowe has parted ways with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, leaving behind a legacy that transcends titles and trophies.

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In a heartfelt statement released on social media, Kondowe addressed the Bullets faithful directly, making it clear that despite his departure, his love for the club remained undiminished.

“First, let me state that I have left my role without a grudge against anyone—not even with the coaching panel members let alone the administrators,” he wrote. “Remember, the Bullets brand is bigger than an individual.”

But beneath the grace and dignity of his public farewell lies a brewing controversy that has left fans demanding answers and exposed tensions between the departed coach and club management.

“My Love Has Always Been Beyond Rank or Position”

Kondowe’s statement revealed the depth of his connection to the club he joined as a teenager in 1996. “My love and dedication to Bullets has, for over 24 years, always been beyond a rank or position. I am proud of my legacy in the team,” he declared.

It was a love story that began in the Bullets Youth program and blossomed into one of the most enduring player-club relationships in Malawian football. By 1998, the young winger had earned promotion to the senior team, where he would spend years entertaining fans with his skill and commitment.

After a stint abroad that included time with South Africa’s Black Leopards FC, Kondowe returned to his beloved Bullets in 2012. This second chapter cemented his status as a club legend—a player whose passion embodied everything the red and white represented.

When he hung up his boots in 2020, the transition to coaching seemed natural. Under Kalisto Pasuwa, he served as Fitness Trainer before being promoted to Second Assistant Coach under Peter Mponda at the start of the 2025 season. Through it all, his dedication never wavered.

“You Will Always Have a Special Room in My Red and White Heart”

The most poignant part of Kondowe’s statement was reserved for the fans who had supported him through triumphs and disappointments alike.

“Lastly, I extend my sincere gratitude to the Bullets’ fans for their unwavering support during good times and bad times, for the tears of joy and sorrow,” he wrote. “You will always have a special room in my red and white heart. I will never forget you. We shall always meet at match venues.”

For thousands of Bullets supporters, these words struck a chord. Kondowe wasn’t just another coach or former player—he was one of them, a man who understood what it meant to bleed red and white, who had given everything for the badge they wore with pride.

“Going forward, I shall always remain a sportsman and I am open to future prospects in my coaching career,” he continued, signaling that his journey in football was far from over. “I wish Bullets the best this season and beyond.”

He closed with his signature phrase: “Peace and Love. More Fire Maule!” and signed off as “Fischer ‘Anong’a/Jan Man’ Kondowe”—the nicknames that had endeared him to generations of supporters.

The Official Narrative: “Mutual Consent”

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ official statement was brief and cordial, confirming that Kondowe had left his position “by mutual consent.” The club praised him as “one of the most dedicated and influential figures in Bullets’ modern history.”

“The club extends its sincere gratitude to Fischer for his dedication and service to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and wishes him every success in his future endeavors,” the statement read.

On the surface, it appeared to be an amicable parting—a club legend moving on to new challenges with the organization’s blessing and best wishes.

But the gracious tone of Kondowe’s public statement masked a more complicated reality. Despite telling fans he harbored no grudges, Kondowe revealed to media outlets that he remained in the dark about the true reasons for his removal.

“I don’t know why I have been removed, maybe when I get the letter from the club, I will have a clear picture,” he told reporters—a startling admission that contradicted the notion of a mutual and transparent parting.

The situation escalated dramatically when Kondowe challenged statements made by Bullets Chief Administrative Officer Albert Chigoga. According to reports, Chigoga told the media that the club chose not to disclose details of Kondowe’s dismissal “out of respect for him as a club veteran.”

Kondowe’s response was swift and unequivocal.

“I have deliberately kept quiet and chosen not to speak about my dismissal,” he said. “But when the club starts telling lies to the Malawian people, that becomes a very big mistake.”

He demanded that Chigoga withdraw his statement and reveal the truth: “What Chigoga said about keeping the reasons private out of respect for me is a lie. He should withdraw that statement and tell the Malawian people and all Bullets supporters the truth.”

The contrast between Kondowe’s public grace and his private frustration painted a picture of a man torn between loyalty to the institution he loved and the need for honesty and transparency.

Days before the official announcement, Kondowe posted a cryptic message on his Facebook page: “Free at last.” The words suggested tensions that had been building behind the scenes, though the exact nature of any disagreements remains unclear.

Unconfirmed reports suggest there may have been a fallout between Kondowe and head coach Peter Mponda, though neither party has publicly confirmed the details. What is clear is that Kondowe’s departure was not as smooth or mutual as the official statements suggested.

As of now, efforts to obtain further comment from Albert Chigoga have been unsuccessful, and the club has not responded to Kondowe’s accusations of dishonesty.

A Legacy Written in Red and White

Whatever the circumstances of his departure, Fischer Kondowe’s place in FCB Nyasa Big Bullets history is secure. Over 24 years, he gave the club everything—his youth, his prime, his experience, and his wisdom.

Fans remember him for the goals he scored, the assists he provided, and the passion he brought to every match. They remember him for understanding what it meant to wear the club’s colors, for never giving less than 100%, and for transitioning into coaching with the same dedication he showed as a player.

His influence extended beyond what happened on the pitch. Younger players looked up to him, learning not just about football but about what it meant to be a Bullet. His impact on the club’s culture and identity will be felt long after his departure.

The manner of Kondowe’s exit raises uncomfortable questions about transparency and respect in Malawian football. How can a departure be “mutual” when one party doesn’t understand why it happened? How can a club claim to act “out of respect” while leaving a 24-year veteran in the dark about his dismissal?

If legitimate reasons existed for Kondowe’s removal, why not communicate them clearly and directly? If there were internal disagreements, why couldn’t they be resolved or at least explained honestly?

These questions matter because they speak to how institutions treat their legends and how they manage organizational change. Kondowe’s grace in his public statement makes the club’s apparent lack of transparency all the more jarring.

What Comes Next?

For Fischer Kondowe, the future is wide open. With nearly a quarter-century of experience at one of Malawi’s most successful clubs, he would be an attractive prospect for any team in the TNM Super League or beyond. His knowledge of the game, his understanding of player development, and his passion for football make him a valuable asset wherever he goes next.

For FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, the season continues. The club maintains its pursuit of domestic glory, upholding its reputation as one of Malawi’s premier football institutions with 17 league titles and a proud tradition of developing local talent.

But the club must also reckon with how it has handled the departure of one of its most loyal servants. The gap between Kondowe’s gracious public statement and his private demand for truth has not gone unnoticed by supporters.

“Dear Mawule”—that’s how Fischer Kondowe chose to begin his farewell. Not “Dear Board” or “Dear Management,” but a direct address to the fans who had supported him for 24 years. It was fitting, because ultimately, it was the fans’ love that sustained him through his long journey with the club.

His statement was a masterclass in dignity, even as it masked his frustration with how his departure was handled. He put the club above himself, the fans above his grievances, and the Bullets brand above his personal feelings.

“Remember, the Bullets brand is bigger than an individual,” he wrote—words that reflect the character of a man who understood that his legacy would endure regardless of how his story ended.

But grace should not require silence, and loyalty should not demand the acceptance of dishonesty. Even as Kondowe bid farewell with class and dignity, he made it clear that he deserved—and demanded—the truth.

As he wrote in closing: “Peace and Love. More Fire Maule!”

After 24 years of service, Fischer “Jahman” Kondowe deserved nothing less than honesty. Whether he receives it remains to be seen.