From Ten Minutes to Trophies: Wongani Lungu's Unforgettable Debut and Growth with Bullets
Wongani Lungu, a midfielder for Malawian football giants, Bullets, has shared his remarkable journey from a ten-minute debut to becoming a two-time Airtel Top 8 champion and a player with national team caps. Lungu's story is a testament to his resilience, determination, and the impact of first experiences on a player's career.
In September 2024, Lungu made his Bullets debut against Civil Service United, choosing to play for just ten minutes. "I was nervous but excited," Lungu recalled. "It was my first time wearing the Bullets colours, and I didn't want to push for more. I just needed a short chance to show what I could do," he added with a smile.
That cameo appearance marked the start of an incredible journey. Twelve months later, Lungu is no longer the new kid testing himself with ten minutes of game time. He is now a midfield regular, a two-time Airtel Top 8 champion, and a player with national team caps.
For Lungu, the first major highlight came quickly. "Winning my very first trophy with Bullets was priceless," he said. "Coming from where I started, I had never lifted a single title. Joining Bullets, it was always my dream to win silverware, and when we finally did in 2024, I felt proud to be part of that achievement."
In July 2025, Lungu added a second Airtel Top 8 medal as the People's Team successfully defended the crown. For him, that shows growth. "Back in 2024, I joined in the middle of the season. This year, I started with the squad from day one. Winning the first trophy of the season together has boosted my confidence. It's a sign of what more we can achieve," he said.
But it hasn't all been smooth. Lungu remembers his Super League debut vividly – a bittersweet experience against MAFCO at Kamuzu Stadium. "I won Player of the Match, but it turned into a career-threatening ordeal when several players stepped on me. I've never really spoken about it publicly, but that pain still stays with me," he admitted. "What happened in that game showed me just how important fair play is. As players, we need protection, and referees have a big role to play," he added.
"That challenge, however, didn't slow him down," Bullets' Communications Officer, Chikumbutso Chirwa, said. "Instead, it strengthened his resolve. 'My parents even told me to quit football after that injury. They were scared. But my siblings reminded them that this is my career, and challenges are part of the game. That kept him going,'" Chirwa explained.
Lungu credits his former teammates, coaches, and motivation from peers for helping him grow in confidence and experience. "Former teammate Patrick Mwaungulu and Mozambique-based midfielder, Lloyd Njaliwa, have constantly motivated me," Lungu said. "And Coach Arnold Mtonga from my early days in Mzuzu has played a huge role in my development," he added.
Fans often wonder what goes on behind the scenes at Bullets. According to Lungu, goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba is the entertainer of the dressing room. "He's always cracking jokes and keeping the mood light," Lungu said. "On the other hand, Innocent Nyasulu is the quiet one – always calm, barely talks," he added.
On match days, Lungu keeps it simple. "I wake up early, thank God for the new day, and prepare myself mentally. That's how I stay focused before stepping onto the pitch," he said.
Looking ahead, Lungu is humble. "That's in God's hands. I look at my teammates who've moved abroad, and I want to follow in their footsteps if it's God's will. But for now, I'm focused on giving everything to Bullets and winning more trophies with this club," he said.
Above all, he values the spirit within the squad. "What I love most about Bullets is the team spirit," Lungu said. "We are a family, and we support each other through thick and thin," he added.
Lungu's story is one of determination, resilience, and the power of first experiences. From a ten-minute debut to lifting trophies, Lungu's journey with Bullets is truly unforgettable.
Bullets fans can catch Lungu and his teammates in action as they continue their quest for more silverware in the 2025 season.
For more information about Bullets FC, visit their official website at BulletsFC.mw or follow them on Facebook at
Summary: Wongani Lungu, a midfielder for the Malawian football club, Blue Eagles FC, has shared his journey from a ten-minute debut to becoming a two-time Airtel Top 8 champion and a player with national team caps. Lungu credits his coach, Arnold Mtonga, and former teammate, Patrick Mwaungulu, for motivating him and believes that fair play is important in the sport. He also highlights the influence of Coach Mtonga from his early days in Mzuzu and notes that goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba is the entertainer of the dressing room, while Innocent Nyasulu is the quiet one. Lungu keeps his match days simple by thanking God and preparing himself mentally, and he values the spirit within the squad. He looks to the future with humility, hoping to follow in the footsteps of his teammates who have moved abroad and win more trophies with Blue Eagles.
