The 2025 TNM Super League title race takes centre stage this Sunday as log leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets host Lilongwe giants and defending champions Silver Strikers in a high-stakes showdown at Kamuzu Stadium.
It’s a clash of heavyweights — two clubs with rich history, immense pedigree, and coaches who know each other all too well. For Peter Mponda, it’s personal: the man who led Silver to the championship last season now leads The People’s Team into battle against his former side.
FORM GUIDE
Bullets have rediscovered their ruthless edge in the second round, winning all three league games so far — including a dominant 3-0 victory over Dedza Dynamos last weekend that extended their lead at the top to four points.
Beyond the league, Mponda’s men have also impressed in the FDH Bank Cup, scoring eight goals in two matches to reach the quarterfinals.
They currently top the TNM Super League table with 43 points from 18 games, having scored 41 goals and conceded just nine.
Silver Strikers, based in Lilongwe, arrive in Blantyre buoyed by domestic and continental success. They beat Mighty Tigers and Chitipa United by identical 1-0 scorelines before dispatching Blue Eagles 3-0 in the FDH Bank Cup quarterfinals to become the first team to book a semifinal spot.
They also advanced to the second qualifying round of the CAF Champions League after eliminating Elgeco Plus of Madagascar on away goals.
The Central Bankers are currently third on the table with 36 points from 17 matches, seven behind the log leaders — a gap they will be eager to narrow this weekend.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Over the years, this fixture has produced unforgettable moments — from Bullets’ double triumph in 2019 to Silver’s dramatic late win in 2024. Fans can expect another thrilling chapter this weekend.
Last season, Silver collected four points from the fixture, including a rare 1-0 win at Kamuzu Stadium before a goalless draw in Lilongwe. But earlier this year, Bullets opened their 2025 campaign with a 1-0 victory at Silver Stadium, courtesy of Babatunde Adepoju’s strike.
The two sides have faced off 23 times since 2013, with Bullets winning eight and Silver four, while the rest have ended in draws — proof of how evenly matched these giants remain.
COACH’S THOUGHTS
Speaking to the media in his Thursday pre-match press conference, head coach Peter Mponda expressed confidence in his squad’s preparations and mentality ahead of the weekend showdown.
“The preparations are going on very well. All the players are training apart from [Chrispin] Mapemba, who is still nursing his injury. We are in a good space, and the players are feeling it. They’ve worked hard to get where they are, and confidence is booming in the team. We’re looking forward to the game.”
On facing his former club, Mponda admitted there’s always pressure in such high-profile fixtures but insists his side is ready to deliver.
“Of course, the pressure is there. Yes, we beat them in the first round and also in the Airtel Top 8 Cup final, so they will come hard because they’ve got nothing to lose. But we know the task at hand, and the guys are ready.”
TEAM NEWS
Only Chrispin Mapemba remains sidelined with a long-term injury, while the rest of the squad is available for selection.
Mponda also confirmed that Peter Banda, who recently returned from shoulder surgery, has now built full match fitness after completing back-to-back 90 minutes in the last two games.
MATCH DETAILS
Fixture: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets vs Silver Strikers
Competition: TNM Super League
Date: Sunday, 5 October 2025
Venue: Kamuzu Stadium, Blantyre
Kick-off: 14:30
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Mwayi Msungama
Assistants: Happiness Mbandambanda, McHastings Kanjati
Fourth Official: Zebron Lengani
Match Assessor: Hastings Nthuntha
Msungama will take charge of a Bullets league game for the second time this season, having previously officiated the 1-0 loss to Blue Eagles in July.
Mbandambanda, officiating her third Bullets match this campaign, ran the line during the Blantyre derby against Mighty Wanderers in May and the thrilling 3-3 draw with Karonga United in August.
Kanjati returns to handle his first Bullets game of the season, last featuring in December 2024 when The People’s Team triumphed 3-1 over Karonga United.
Lengani, a familiar face, will be on fourth-official duties for the third time in 2025, while retired referee Hastings Nthuntha will assess a Bullets fixture for the second time this campaign.
HOW TO FOLLOW
All the action will be live on Mpira TV and will also be streamed globally on FIFA+.
Fans can follow live updates across all official club platforms — Facebook, X, Instagram, and Threads — from the first whistle to full-time.
A full match report will be available on nyasabigbullets.com after the final whistle, while match highlights will be uploaded to our YouTube channel by Monday morning.
Maule, this is our house. Let’s pack Kamuzu Stadium, sing loud, and push the boys all the way. Together, we rise.
