FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Kick Off FDH Bank Cup Campaign Against Chilumba Barracks
Malawi's most successful football team, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, are set to begin their 2025 FDH Bank Cup campaign with a trip to the far North. The People's Team will face Chilumba Barracks in a Round of 32 tie at Chitipa Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Fresh from wrapping up the first round of the TNM Super League, Peter Mponda's men are shifting their focus to knockout action. The team is eager to begin another cup journey with confidence, having recently lifted the Airtel Top 8 trophy via a penalty shootout victory over Silver Strikers.
Bullets have been in strong form in the TNM Super League, collecting seven points from the last three matches. They beat Mzuzu City Hammers 2-0, edged Mafco FC 1-0 in Mponela, and played out a dramatic 3-3 draw against Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium.
Chilumba Barracks, on the other hand, earned their place in this round with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Bangwe All Stars. This clash against the record Malawian champions represents one of the biggest occasions in their history, and they will be determined to make their presence felt.
Head-to-Head: A Historic Encounter
This will be the very first competitive meeting between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Chilumba Barracks, making Sunday's tie a historic one.
Coach's Thoughts: Balancing Respect and Ambition
Head coach Peter Mponda has cautioned against underestimating the opposition, stressing the importance of balancing respect with ambition:
"Chilumba Barracks deserve respect—they've earned their spot in this competition. At the same time, we know what's at stake. For us, this is about bouncing back, showing character, and starting our cup journey strong."
Team News: New Signings and Injuries
Mponda confirmed that new signings Khumbo Banda and Bright Munthali are in the squad and available for selection:
"In terms of fitness they are okay, but we are still trying to see how well they coordinate with the rest of the team. It's an important game where we want to compete to win."
Defenders Blessings Mpokera and Andrew Jovinala both trained separately from the main group in Chitipa on Friday and Saturday as they continue their recovery from knocks picked in recent league games. Their participation remains 50-50:
"We are still trying to assess their fitness levels. We don't want to risk aggravating their injuries."
Meanwhile, Chrispin Mapemba remains sidelined with a long-term injury.
Match Details: A New Look Officiating Team
The Round of 32 showdown at Chitipa Stadium will be under the watch of an experienced and partly new-look officiating team. Rose Zimba has been entrusted with the whistle and brings the most familiarity to The People's Team, having overseen Bullets matches in the past:
"I'm looking forward to the game. It's always a pleasure to referee FCB Nyasa Big Bullets matches."
She will be supported by assistants Steve Nyirenda and Shryness Silumbu, both stepping up for their first assignment involving Malawi's most decorated club. Joshua Msiska takes charge as the fourth official, while Leonard Sakhale has been appointed as the Match Commissioner to oversee proceedings.
How to Follow: Live Match Updates and Post-Match Report
For fans across the country and beyond, every step of Bullets' FDH Bank Cup journey will be covered through the team's official digital platforms. Stay tuned to their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for live match updates direct from Chitipa Stadium.
Once the final whistle blows, a detailed match report will be published on nyasabigbullets.com, while full match highlights will be available on their YouTube channel. It's knockout football, and every voice counts.
Summary: Sure! Here is a concise summary of the text: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, the most successful team in Malawian football history, kicks off their 2025 FDH Bank Cup campaign with a Round of 32 tie against Chilumba Barracks at Chitipa Stadium on Sunday. The team, fresh from wrapping up the first round of the TNM Super League, is looking to begin another cup journey with confidence. The match will be the first competitive encounter between the two teams, with Chilumba Barracks earning their place in the round after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Bangwe All Stars. Head coach Peter Mponda has cautioned against underestimating the opposition, stressing the importance of balancing respect with ambition. The team will be without several key players, including Chrispin Mapemba, who is sidelined with a long-term injury, and defenders Blessings Mpokera and Andrew Jovinala, who are recovering from knocks. New signings Khumbo Banda and Bright Munthali are available for selection. The match will be officiated by an experienced and partly new-look officiating team, led by referee Rose Zimba. Fans can follow the match through Bullets' official digital platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
