FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Peter Mponda has confirmed that his squad is in peak condition ahead of Sunday’s Airtel Top 8 final, with only Chrispin Mapemba missing out due to a long-term injury.
Speaking during Friday’s pre-match press conference at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Mponda revealed that all 27 players who traveled for the decider are fit and available for selection, creating healthy competition within the camp.
“It’s been a very good week of preparations. We’ve got no excuse. We’ve worked hard, both physically and tactically,” Mponda said.
“Apart from Mapemba, everyone is available. This gives me a good headache when it comes to team selection, and I’m very happy with what I’ve seen in training.”
Among the key returnees are 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 2-1 TNM Super League defeat to Civil Service United due to illness and a knock respectively.
A Familiar Final
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.
This is Bullets’ sixth Airtel Top 8 final appearance since the tournament’s 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.
Road to the Final
Bullets began their title defense with a hard-fought 1-0 aggregate victory over Creck Sporting Club in the quarterfinals. After a goalless first leg at Kamuzu Stadium, Maxwell Phodo struck in the reverse fixture to send the champions through.
In the semifinals, the Blantyre giants saw off Karonga United 2-1 at Bingu National Stadium, with goals from Salima and Hassan Kajoke securing their place in the final for the fourth consecutive season—underlining their dominance in knockout football.
All Eyes on Sunday
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.
