When Wongani Lungu walked onto the Kamuzu Stadium pitch for his Bullets debut on 14 September 2024, he was given a choice by his coach: ten or twenty minutes.
“I chose ten,” he recalls with a smile. “It was my first time wearing the Bullets colours, and I didn’t want to push for more. I just needed a short chance to show what I could do — and I made the most of it.”
That cameo appearance against Civil Service United marked the start of an incredible journey. Twelve months later, Lungu is no longer the new kid testing himself with ten minutes of game time — he is now a midfield regular, a two-time Airtel Top 8 champion, and a player with national team caps to his name.
Winning Silverware Early
For the midfielder, the first major highlight came quickly. “Winning my very first trophy with Bullets was priceless,” he says. “Coming from where I started, I had never lifted a single title. Joining Bullets, it was always my dream to win silverware, and when we finally did in 2024, I felt proud to be part of that achievement.”
In July, Lungu added a second Airtel Top 8 medal as the People’s Team successfully defended the crown. For him, that shows growth. “Back in 2024, I joined in the middle of the season. This year, I started with the squad from day one. Winning the first trophy of the season together has boosted my confidence. It’s a sign of what more we can achieve.”
Memorable but Tough Moments
But it hasn’t all been smooth. Lungu remembers his Super League debut vividly — a bittersweet experience against MAFCO at Kamuzu Stadium.
“I won Player of the Match, but it turned into a career-threatening ordeal when several players stepped on me. I’ve never really spoken about it publicly, but that pain still stays with me. What happened in that game showed me just how important fair play is. As players, we need protection, and referees have a big role to play.”
“That challenge, however, didn’t slow him down. Instead, it strengthened his resolve. “My parents even told me to quit football after that injury. They were scared. But my siblings reminded them that this is my career, and challenges are part of the game. That kept me going.”
Growing in Confidence
Reflecting on his first year, Lungu believes he is no longer the same player who nervously chose ten minutes on debut. “I’ve grown in confidence, experience, and belief. The competition in our midfield is tough, but it pushes me. Training is where it all starts — when coaches believe in you, it builds confidence. You just focus on what they expect and trust yourself.”
Watch Now: From a ten-minute debut to lifting trophies, Wongani Lungu shares his journey, challenges, and dreams in this exclusive Maule Talks interview.
He credits former Bullets teammate Patrick Mwaungulu and and Mozambique-based midfielder, Lloyd Njaliwa, for constantly motivating him, while also pointing to the influence of Coach Arnold Mtonga from his early days in Mzuzu. “He’s been there since I was very young, and he has played a huge role in my development.”
Inside the Dressing Room
Fans often wonder what goes on behind the scenes at Bullets. According to Lungu, goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba is the entertainer of the dressing room. “He’s always cracking jokes and keeping the mood light. On the other hand, Innocent Nyasulu is the quiet one — always calm, barely talks.”
On match days, Lungu keeps it simple. “I wake up early, thank God for the new day, and prepare myself mentally. That’s how I stay focused before stepping onto the pitch.”
Looking Ahead
Asked where he sees himself in the next two or three years, Lungu is humble. “That’s in God’s hands. I look at my teammates who’ve moved abroad, and I want to follow in their footsteps if it’s God’s will. But for now, I’m focused on giving everything to Bullets and winning more trophies with this club.”
Above all, he values the spirit within the squad. “What I love most about Bullets is the team spirit. No matter the situation, we always want to win. That hunger — that drive — is what makes this club special.”
A Message to the Fans
As he marks his one-year anniversary with the People’s Team, Lungu has a simple message for Maule faithful:
“To the fans — thank you for your support. Keep backing me, and I’ll keep giving my very best to deliver results. Your love and encouragement is what keeps me going.”
From a ten-minute debut to lifting silverware and stepping onto the international stage, Wongani Lungu’s first year at Bullets has been a story of growth, resilience, and belief. And if his journey so far is anything to go by, the best is yet to come.
