First Assistant Coach Gilbert Chirwa returned to media duties this week ahead of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ TNM Super League fixture against Dedza Dynamos at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.
Speaking to journalists in Blantyre, Chirwa shared insights on the importance of the upcoming match, the mood in camp, the need to reclaim home dominance, and the team’s title ambitions as the second round of the 2025 campaign gathers momentum.
Read the full interview with Coach Gilbert Chirwa:
How big is Saturday’s game in the title race?
“Well, it’s very important for Bullets as a team. You know, previously we had a break for the general elections, and just last week, we played against The Boys SFC in the FDH Bank Cup. Now we are back at Kamuzu Stadium to face Dedza Dynamos in a league game. We are not taking this lightly. Each and every game is tough, so we’ve been telling our boys to work extra hard. Their response has been positive, and for sure, we’re encouraging them to stay serious in everything they do.”
Dedza have caused problems at Kamuzu before, what are you expecting?
“Every team that plays against Bullets works very hard to make a name for themselves. They fight to turn the tables. But we are aware of that, and we’ve prepared accordingly. We anticipate a tough game for sure, but the fact that we are at home gives us an edge. We are encouraging our boys to make the most of their chances and collect the three points.”
How important is it to maintain this early second-round momentum?
“It’s very important. We know we are competing with other teams, but our focus is on ourselves. We concentrate on playing our game and making sure the players execute our instructions. The second round is always tough—it’s the final stretch. So we’re pushing the players to be serious and to get the results we need.”
How do you rate Bullets’ chances of winning the league this season?
“I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about winning the league. Our focus now is on collecting points every time we play. When the time comes, we will talk about the title. For now, what matters is doing our job match after match.”
How are you managing squad rotation during this busy run?
“We always rotate our players. We have about 28 to 30 players in the squad, so we don’t always use the same team. Rotation helps others rest and keeps everyone sharp. We strongly believe we have enough quality and depth to fight until the end of the season. We trust the boys to get the job done.”
How key is it to reclaim stronghold after dropping points at Kamuzu?
“Football is a process. You can only improve when you’re doing the right things in training. We’ve been working on transitions—building from the back, linking through midfield, and finishing in the final third. We’ve also reminded the players of the importance of utilising chances. For your information, we lost about 14 players before this season, including our entire defence. We’re rebuilding while competing for the title, and though that’s not an excuse, it’s part of our journey.”
Has the team gelled well now, being in the second round?
“Yes, the team has gelled. Since the season started, we’ve already won the Airtel Top 8, beating Silver Strikers 1-0 in the final. We’re the only team with a trophy this season. We just have to keep pushing and add more trophies to our cabinet.”
Any team news or injury updates?
“We have Andrew Jovinala and Richard Chimbamba out with injuries, but the rest of the squad is available for selection.”
