FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Peter Mponda has underlined his team’s readiness to rise above the challenges they have faced in Chitipa as the 17-time league champions prepare to face Chitipa United in Saturday’s TNM Super League clash at Chitipa Stadium.
The People’s Team, who arrived in Fort Hill last Thursday, chose to remain in the district after defeating Karonga-based Chilumba Barracks 5-0 in the FDH Bank Cup Round of 32 on Sunday. That victory secured a spot in the Round of 16 and also set the stage for this weekend’s league assignment, the opening fixture of the second round.
Limited Training Access
Although the club had made prior arrangements to access the Chitipa District Council-owned stadium for daily training sessions, Bullets were only permitted two sessions—one on Wednesday and the official matchday-1 pitch inspection on Friday afternoon—despite having paid for multiple slots.
As a result, the squad had to adapt under less-than-ideal conditions on other days. But Mponda remained upbeat when addressing the club media on Thursday.
“We have already started experiencing the atmosphere—it’s not so good. We were only allowed a couple of sessions instead of the full program we had planned,” said the coach.
“We know what’s coming ahead, and the atmosphere will be tough. But this is a big team with experienced players who are used to pressure. Wherever we go, our supporters rally behind us, and we believe they will help us carry the day.”
Focus Shifts to the League
Bullets head into this fixture second on the log with 34 points from 15 matches—just one behind leaders Mighty Wanderers. The Chitipa clash offers Mponda’s charges a chance to bounce back in the TNM Super League after the dramatic 3-3 draw against Karonga United in the final match of the first round.
Reflecting on the recent outing at Chitipa Stadium in the FDH Bank Cup, where his side played at the venue for the first time ever, the head coach noted:
“The pitch is not bad, though it’s below our usual standards. But we managed in the Cup tie, got the result we wanted, and now our full focus is on the Super League against Chitipa.”
Saturday’s encounter marks the first-ever league fixture for Bullets at the new Chitipa Stadium, where Mponda will also have the opportunity to build on positives from last week—including a solid debut for defender Khumbo Banda and a promising return cameo from striker Bright Munthali.
Kick-off is scheduled for 14:30 CAT.
