FCB Nyasa Big Bullets begin their FDH Bank Cup campaign on Sunday with a crucial away fixture against second-tier side Chilumba Barracks at Chitipa Stadium.
The People’s Team will be targeting a strong start to a competition they have dominated since its inception. Since the FDH Bank Cup was launched in 2021, Bullets have reached three finals in four years and will be making their first-ever trip to Chitipa Stadium determined to advance past Chilumba Barracks.
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Injury concerns cloud team selection
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, head coach Peter Mponda revealed that the team has been dealt an injury blow, with two key defenders doubtful for today’s encounter against Chilumba.
As a precautionary measure, both players trained separately from the main group on Friday as they recover from knocks sustained in recent matches.
“Andrew Jovinala and Blessings Mpokera picked up knocks in our recent match against Karonga United. They have been training separately from the group. Those two and Crispin Mapemba are out,” Mponda explained.
“Mapemba is a long-term injury, while for Mpokera and Jovinala, it’s 50-50—they might be out or they might be in the team. We don’t want to aggravate their injuries and risk them missing more games. We are managing them so that they might be available for the game against Chitipa United next Saturday in the Super League.”
The potential absence of Mpokera and Jovinala would be a significant blow for Bullets, as both players have been among the most reliable and consistent performers in defense this season.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have completed two signings during the current transfer window, bringing in Khumbo Banda from Dedza Dynamos for MK4 million to bolster their defense, and re-signing Bright Bweke Munthali on a free transfer.
Both players were unavailable for selection against Karonga United last weekend, but Mponda indicated they are in contention for today’s match, though starting positions are not guaranteed.
“In terms of fitness, they are okay, but we are still trying to see if they can coordinate well with the rest of the players. They are in the squad and in contention, but this is an important game—we want to win, not test players,” the coach stated.
Bullets FDH Bank Cup pedigree and expectations
Bullets have established themselves as the competition’s most successful team, never being eliminated in the Round of 32 since the tournament began. Only Silver Strikers have managed to beat them before a final, achieving this feat in the 2021 semifinals on penalties.
The People’s Team have reached the finals in three consecutive years, winning the trophy twice before suffering a penalty shootout defeat to Blue Eagles last season. This remarkable consistency has established them as strong favorites in any FDH Bank Cup encounter.
Despite facing lower-division opposition, Mponda will be wary of potential cup upsets, particularly with key defensive players potentially unavailable. The match presents an opportunity for new signings Banda and Munthali to make their debuts, though the coach’s cautious approach suggests he may rely on proven performers for such a crucial fixture.
Bullets will be determined to maintain their excellent cup record and take another step toward reclaiming the trophy that eluded them last season. The trip to Chitipa represents uncharted territory for the club, but their cup experience should serve them well in navigating this first hurdle.
Match Details
Fixture: Chilumba Barracks vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Competition: FDH Bank Cup Round of 32
Venue: Chitipa Stadium
Date: Sunday
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