Former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Peter Mponda has engaged legal representation to pursue approximately MK400 million in compensation from the club, alleging unlawful termination of his employment contract.
The dispute stems from Bullets’ decision to part ways with Mponda on December 21, following the team’s failure to secure the league title. The former Flames skipper had served as head coach for just 11 months and three weeks of what was originally a three-year contract signed in January 2025, leaving two years remaining on the agreement.
After attempts at amicable settlement broke down, Mponda has instructed prominent lawyer David Kanyenda to initiate legal proceedings against the club. The former defender and captain contends that both the reasons provided for his dismissal and the procedure followed by Bullets were inadequate.
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“I have received instructions from Bullets and Flames legend Mr Peter Mponda to represent him in respect of a labour dispute against his immediate past employer FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC,” Kanyenda confirmed. “Our esteemed client is aggrieved with the reasons advanced and the procedure adopted to terminate his employment relationship.”
Kanyenda emphasized that in his professional assessment, the termination process failed to meet legal requirements. “In our professional estimation, both the reasons advanced and the procedure fall below the minimum standards prescribed by law,” he stated.
The lawyer explained that litigation became necessary after negotiations between the two parties collapsed. “As the parties have failed to reach an amicable settlement, litigation is the only viable option to find a durable solution to the matter.”
Central to Mponda’s case is the club’s statement announcing his departure, which notably did not clarify whether the separation was mutual or a unilateral decision by the club. This ambiguity, combined with what Mponda perceives as procedural irregularities, forms the basis of his legal challenge.
Following his dismissal, Mponda met with the Bullets board to discuss compensation for the remaining two years of his contract. However, these discussions failed to yield a resolution acceptable to both parties.
“Negotiations have fallen through, hence he has issued instructions for us to activate the legal machinery in order to protect his rights, interests and legitimate expectations in respect of his employment contract, which was purportedly terminated by Bullets,” Kanyenda added.
The MK400 million compensation package Mponda is seeking represents the value of the two years remaining on his contract with one of Malawi’s most prestigious football clubs. The case highlights the growing professionalization of Malawian football and the legal complexities that arise when employment relationships in the sport break down.
As the matter heads to litigation, it will test the strength of employment contracts in Malawian football and could set important precedents for how clubs handle coaching dismissals in the future. Both parties will now prepare their cases for what promises to be a closely watched legal battle in the local football fraternity.
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