The stage is set for the first mini-Blantyre derby of the 2025 SRFA ThumbsUp League as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves make the short trip to Mpira Stadium on Monday afternoon to face city rivals Wanderers Reserves. Kick-off is at 14:30 CAT.
This is more than just three points — it’s about pride, passion, and city bragging rights. It will also be head coach Heston Munthali’s first derby in charge since taking the reins at Bullets Reserves.
Derby Stakes
The Reserves head into the clash in second place on the table, one point ahead of Wanderers, with both sides looking to respond after 1-0 defeats in their previous outings.
A win for Bullets would restore momentum after the narrow loss to Chilobwe United, strengthen their grip on second spot, and keep the pressure on league leaders Ekhaya Reserves. Victory for Wanderers would see them leapfrog The People’s Team in the standings.
Head-To-Head
Since 2023, this will be the ninth meeting between the two sides in all competitions, a fixture that has consistently delivered goals, drama, and unforgettable moments.
In 2023, Bullets claimed a convincing 3-0 victory in the first league encounter before the sides shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the return leg.
The same year also saw The People’s Team record an emphatic 4-0 win in the Aubrey Dimba Trophy.
The rivalry continued in 2024, starting with the Champions Cup Bonanza where Wanderers edged Bullets 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw.
The first league leg of that season ended 1-1, but Bullets bounced back with a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture.
In the ThumbsUp League quarter-finals, Bullets ran out 3-0 winners in the first leg, before Wanderers responded with a 1-0 triumph in the second leg.
Coach’s Thoughts
Speaking ahead of the derby, head coach Heston Munthali stressed the significance of the fixture for both the players and supporters.
“A derby is never an ordinary game — it’s about pride, passion, and performance. We respect Wanderers, they are a strong side, but we’re going there to play our game and fight for all three points.”
What to Expect
With just a point separating the sides and both desperate to bounce back, fans can expect a high-intensity contest fuelled by determination, passion, and the hunger to claim early bragging rights in the 2025 campaign.
