FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in Peak Condition Ahead of Airtel Top 8 Final Against Silver Strikers
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare for the Airtel Top 8 final against Silver Strikers on Sunday, with head coach Peter Mponda confirming that the team is in top form. All 27 players who traveled for the decider are fit and available for selection, creating healthy competition within the camp.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Mponda revealed that it has been a week of intensive preparations, both physically and tactically. "It's been a very good week of preparations. We've got no excuse. We've worked hard," Mponda said.
The team's good health is a welcome boost for Mponda, who faces the daunting task of selecting the best squad to take on their rivals. Key returnees include defender Andrew Jovinala, who has recovered from an injury sustained in last month's FCB at 30 anniversary match against Silver Strikers, as well as Chikumbutso Salima and Mike Mkwate, who missed last weekend's TNM Super League defeat to Civil Service United due to illness and a knock respectively.
Bullets have a rich history in the Airtel Top 8 final, having reached the decider for the sixth time since its inception in 2017. The defending champions have lifted the trophy three times (2021, 2023, and 2024) and are aiming for a record-extending fourth title. Sunday's clash will be the third Airtel Top 8 final meeting between Bullets and Silver Strikers and the second in a row.
The People's Team edged their rivals 1-0 in last year's decider at the same venue, thanks to an Ernest Petro strike. Bullets began their title defense with a hard-fought 1-0 aggregate victory over Creck Sporting Club in the quarterfinals and saw off Karonga United 2-1 at Bingu National Stadium in the semifinals. With a near full-strength squad and momentum on their side, Mponda and his charges are determined to finish the job when they face The Bankers on Sunday afternoon.
The 2025 Airtel Top 8 final kicks off at 15:00 CAT at Bingu National Stadium. Fans can follow the action on Facebook and other social media platforms.
Summary: Here is a concise summary of the article: FBC Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Peter Mponda has confirmed that the team is in good shape ahead of the Airtel Top 8 final against Silver Strikers on Sunday. All 27 players who traveled for the final are fit and available for selection, creating healthy competition within the camp. The team has been working hard in training, and Mponda is pleased with what he has seen. The match will be the third Airtel Top 8 final meeting between Bullets and Silver Strikers, with Bullets looking to defend their title and win a record-extending fourth trophy.
