We open the Bullets Archives to relive iconic moments and the stories that shaped the legacy of The People’s Team.
The 1968 Team
In 1968, long before Bullets became a household name across Malawi, a fearless group of young pioneers posed for what would become one of the most treasured images in our club’s early history. Today, we revisit this iconic photograph — a snapshot of the squad that laid the foundation for The People’s Team.
A Photograph That Started It All
This rare 1968 image is widely regarded as the club’s earliest official team photograph. It was taken at a pivotal moment when the team had just adopted the name Bata Bullets F.C., following sponsorship from the Bata Shoe Company — a partnership that marked the beginning of the club’s structured, ambitious rise. Before this, the side was known as Blantyre City F.C., a determined local outfit finding its feet and identity.
The young men in this photograph stand with quiet confidence — players who would go on to shape the earliest successes of what would become Malawi’s most decorated football club.
The Squad: The Pioneers of Maule
Every name handwritten on the back of the original print tells a story — a story of grit, pride and belief in the colours they wore. The squad included inside right Dave Chirwa, centre back Charles Kagawa, and central midfielder McDonald Kaliati. In goal was Henry Kamdondo, formerly of Wanderers, with Sam Chirwa at right fullback and John Mpeshi on the left.
Also part of the team were midfield option Sattar Osman and centre forward Yasin Osman, who joined from Wanderers for 100 pounds. On the wings, Basil Maele added pace on the left, while Reggie Karim, Demobray Thipha and Mustapha Mumshi provided width, creativity and attacking threat.
Chairperson Alan Stewart, Coach Max Prien, Team Manager John Gilmore and sponsor Mir Sergio Cesari shaped the club’s early direction and ambition.
A Team on the Rise
Within two months of this photograph being taken, Bullets strengthened further with the arrivals of Fraser Chitete, Damiano Mafulula and Henry Mwayi. Their inclusion injected more quality and ambition into the squad, helping the club assert itself as champions in 1969. These formative years forged the traits that still define The People’s Team: unity, resilience, ambition and an unwavering belief that Bullets belonged at the top.
More Than a Picture — A Lasting Legacy
This 1968 photograph is more than a preserved memory. It is a reminder of where the Bullets story began — a story carried forward by generation after generation. What these pioneers started still echoes today every time The People’s Team walks onto the pitch: the same fighting spirit, the same community heartbeat, the same Maule identity.
From the trailblazers of 1968 to the modern champions of today, the legacy lives on.
Have historic Bullets photographs or memories? We’d love to preserve them. Share with us at media@nyasabigbullets.com and help keep Maule history alive.
