Chikumbutso Salima says Sunday’s showdown against Civil Service United was a must-win game for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets — and the winger rose to the moment in spectacular fashion, scoring a brilliant hat-trick to propel Maule to a thrilling 4–3 victory at Kamuzu Stadium.
The 23-year-old was at the heart of everything going forward as Bullets fought from behind twice before securing all three points in one of the most dramatic matches of the TNM Super League season.
On scoring his first hat-trick for Bullets
“This is a huge motivation for me as a player because it’s not easy to score three goals in one game,” Salima said.
“It pushes me to continue working hard and to help the team in the next matches.”
Salima’s clinical finishing came at key moments, with each goal helping Bullets regain control in a pulsating contest.
On the intensity of the match and the must-win mentality
The midfielder admitted that the match demanded everything from the squad, especially after going behind early and again midway through the first half.
“Looking at how we train, we told ourselves that this is a must-win game. We couldn’t afford to drop points at home,” he explained.
“Civil came prepared to get a result, so it wasn’t an easy game. But we showed our fight.”
On Chawanangwa Gumbo’s message after the fourth goal
After Bullets went 4–2 up, midfielder Chawanangwa Gumbo was heard urging teammates not to relax — a message Salima echoed.
“He was reminding us not to be satisfied with the 4–2 lead because the game was far from over,” he revealed.
“Looking at how Civil were pushing, we needed full concentration to defend the lead and keep looking for more.”
On returning to the top of the TNM Super League table
Bullets moved to 53 points from 23 games, one ahead of Mighty Wanderers after the rivals dropped points away to Silver Strikers.
But Salima says the focus must remain on consistency.
“We need to have a positive attitude,” he said. “Let’s forget about moving back to the top following today’s game. We need to continue with the fighting spirit and resilience we showed today.”
