Frank Willard was delighted to get the first TNM Super League Man-of-the-Match award of his career on Sunday.
The defensive midfielder displayed a phenomenal performance during Nyasa Big Bullets’ 1-1 draw with Civil Service United at Kamuzu Stadium.
Speaking to club media, Willard, a Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves product, who rejoined the club during the mid-season break after he had moved to MAFCO at the start of the 2022 campaign, was all over the moon with his accolade.
“I was very happy and overjoyed when I heard them calling my name to receive the award. Being my first accolade in Bullets colours, I felt good and it was like a dream come true. It would matter less to others but to me, it’s an honour and I am really looking forward to more of these awards in the future,” he said.
The 21-year-old has featured in nine senior Bullets matches since his return in July, coming off the bench twice.
Willard also shared how he was settling at the club under the Kalisto Pasuwa-led technical panel.
He told us: “I can say it’s working for me because I am working under a coach who is very good at giving players confidence and I am settling down well. I also have very supportive teammates who are helping me to develop further and further.”
Willard made his debut for Bullets during the 4-4 draw with Moyale Barracks in the FDH Bank Cup round-of-16 and continued his run when he featured in his first ever Blantyre derby in which Bullets surrendered a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 against Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in the TNM Super League.
Pasuwa kept his faith in the youngster and was featured in the CAF Champions League against Simba SC of Tanzania, starting at home and coming from the bench away in Dar es Salaam.
He has so far been involved in all stages of the FDH Bank Cup, including a 4-0 win over rivals Wanderers in the semifinals at the Bingu National Stadium a week ago.
Willard has already won the hearts of Bullets supporters, who have clearly said he is the best replacement for club legend Chimango Kayira, who left the team at the start of the season.
