Peter Mponda: Paul Master has been brilliant, he is good addition

Peter Mponda may have found his new midfield maestro in Paul Master, a crucial find after losing two key players during the season. Mponda inherited what he described as a “disjointed team,” and the departures of ball-winning midfielders Yankho Singo and Lloyd Aaron only exacerbated the challenge of maintaining stability in the center of the park.

Despite previously stating that the club had abundant depth in midfield, Mponda acknowledged that no one could fully replace the ball-winning abilities of the departing duo. This made the need for a new signing evident, and the club is reportedly in talks with Civil Service United to acquire Moses Banda, though no official agreement has been announced.

Master steps up in demanding role

In the meantime, the Bullets’ new midfield partnership could be in the form of Paul Master and Frank Willard. While Willard hasn’t been a regular starter, Master’s recent performances have solidified his place. After joining the team, he didn’t immediately start, but Mponda’s faith in him is now paying off. Master made an immediate impact, earning a spot in the starting lineup against his former club, Blue Eagles, and then again in a tough match against Mzuzu City Hammers.

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Master’s journey at Bullets hasn’t been a straightforward one. He joined on a free transfer but was initially seen as a player needing to build fitness, not an immediate solution. Yet, in the span of just two consecutive matches, he has demonstrated a mastery of the midfield that belies his previous lack of starts. In the recent clash against Mzuzu City Hammers, Master was the one man standing in a midfield trio that saw his partners, Wongani Lungu and Frank Willard, substituted. He played the full 90 minutes, not just surviving, but thriving under pressure.

While the Hammers dominated the first half, winning the “second balls” and controlling the tempo, Master was a bulwark against the tide. He was a constant force, winning crucial battles and holding the team’s shape. This is precisely the kind of leadership and grit Mponda needs, especially when the team is in a transitional phase.

Mponda praises Paul Master for ‘brilliant’ performance

Mponda was vocal about his satisfaction with Master’s performance. “Paul has been brilliant,” he said. “Even against Blue Eagles, he was brilliant, but unfortunately he was on the losing side. Against Hammers, he played very well and he is going to help us so much. He is a good addition to the team.”

Master’s ability to anchor the midfield provides Mponda with the stability he craved and gives the team a solid foundation to build on. He has stepped into a demanding role and is already exceeding expectations, making him a vital player for the Bullets’ future.