FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will travel to Karonga on Sunday for the Castel Challenge Cup Round of 32 clash against Songwe Border United at Karonga Stadium.
Interim Head Coach Gilbert Chirwa revealed the latest squad updates while addressing the media ahead of the trip up north. He confirmed that several first-team players will miss the journey due to injury. Chrispin Mapemba, Blessings Mpokera, Andrew Jovinala, and Lameck Gamphani will all be unavailable for the knockout fixture.
Commenting on Mpokera, who picked up an injury during Bullets’ away game at Kamuzu Barracks last month and subsequently missed the final six matches of the 2025 league campaign, Chirwa confirmed that the defender has begun light recovery work.
Despite the absences, Chirwa remains confident in the squad’s depth and readiness. He stressed that the players who are available understand the demands of the trip and are prepared to give their all on match day.
“The boys are ready for the challenge and know what is required both physically and mentally. We are prepared to step up in what promises to be a demanding cup tie away from home,” he explained.
Chirwa also addressed life without Babatunde Adepoju, Bullets’ top scorer in all competitions last year and joint TNM Super League top scorer with 15 goals alongside Chikumbutso Salima. The Nigerian-born striker’s two-year loan from South Africa’s Venda Football Club ended on 31 December, and he has since departed the club.
“Babatunde has been a key player for us, and of course, we’ll miss him. But we’ve played without him before, and other strikers can step up. The best way to honour his contribution is by winning in Karonga,” Chirwa said.
Bullets aim to start the 2026 campaign strongly as they chase a second silverware this season, following their Airtel Top 8 triumph, after narrowly missing out on the FDH Bank Cup and the league title.
The full pre-match press conference will be published later, where Chirwa will discuss the team’s preparations, tactical approach, and the challenge that Songwe Border United presents at Karonga Stadium.
