FCB Nyasa Big Bullets' Peter Mponda Speaks Ahead of FDH Bank Cup Clash with Chilumba Barracks
As FCB Nyasa Big Bullets prepare for their FDH Bank Cup Round of 32 tie against Chilumba Barracks at Chitipa Stadium, head coach Peter Mponda addressed the media following the team's first training session in the Northern Region.
Long Journey and First Training Session in Chitipa
"It was a very long journey, but the boys managed it well," Mponda shared. "We arrived on Thursday afternoon and rested. On Friday morning, we had our first training session, and they responded very well despite the trip,"
Preparations and Bouncing Back from Karonga Draw
"It's an important game for us. It's a cup match, so we have to be cautious," Mponda stated. "Chilumba Barracks may be an unknown side to us, but they've earned the right to play in the Round of 32. We respect them, but we also need to bounce back from the disappointing result against Karonga United,"
"The performance was good, but the result overshadowed it, and we must respond positively," he added.
Playing at Chitipa Stadium and FDH Bank Cup Record
"It's good that our supporters in Chitipa will finally have a chance to watch the team live. Normally, our games in the North have been in Karonga, but now they can see us here," Mponda expressed. "The pitch is playable, and we're looking forward to the occasion,"
"Every competition is important for us, whether it's the FDH Bank Cup, the Airtel Top 8, or the league. We approach each game with the same mindset — to win and progress,"
Fan Behaviour and Injury Updates
Mponda addressed the recent fan violence following the Karonga draw, expressing disappointment and concern for the players' safety and morale. "I was very surprised by the reaction. We played very good football and scored beautiful goals, but in the last 15 minutes, we conceded in ways we shouldn't have,"
"I understand the frustration, but stoning the bus — especially when it was empty — was unacceptable. The club had to spend a lot to fix it, and such actions can create fear among the players. We need our supporters to stand with us, not against us,"
On the injury front, Mponda revealed that Andrew Jovinala and Blessings Mpokera are 50-50 for the match, while Crispin Mapemba is still out with a long-term injury.
Recent Signings and Approaching an Unfamiliar Opponent
Mponda discussed the team's approach to facing an unfamiliar opponent, stating, "The players don't need extra motivation. We just need them to respond from the last result and make sure we finish the job this time,"
"Professionalism is key," he added.
Expectations from Chitipa Fans
"The welcome so far has been great. We're looking forward to seeing big numbers from Chitipa, and even supporters from Zambia and Tanzania, coming to rally behind us on Sunday," Mponda concluded.
With preparations underway, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets aim to put last weekend's result behind them and progress in the FDH Bank Cup competition. Stay tuned for more updates as the team takes on Chilumba Barracks at Chitipa Stadium.
Summary: In a pre-match press conference ahead of their FDH Bank Cup Round of 32 tie against Chilumba Barracks, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Peter Mponda discussed the team's long journey to Chitipa Stadium, their preparations for the match, and their approach to the game. Mponda highlighted the importance of bouncing back from last weekend's 3-3 draw against Karonga United and addressed fan behavior, injury updates, and the inclusion of recent signings in the travelling squad. He also discussed the team's approach to facing an unfamiliar opponent and their expectations from the Chitipa fans. Mponda emphasized that every competition is important for the team, whether it's the FDH Bank Cup, the Airtel Top 8, or the league, and they approach each game with the same mindset - to win and progress. He expressed concern over fan violence after the Karonga draw and the impact it can have on the players, stressing the need for supporters to stand with the team, not against them. On the injury front, Mponda revealed that Andrew Jovinala and Blessings Mpokera are 50-50 for the match, while Crispin Mapemba is still out with a long-term injury. He also discussed the
