When Chikumbutso Salima joined FCB Nyasa Big Bullets from the Lawrence Waya Academy, few could have imagined the mark he would leave on the club.
Quietly determined and technically gifted, he embarked on a journey of steady growth and decisive moments, rising from the reserves to first-team prominence while winning trophies, individual accolades, and the hearts of fans before moving to Sudanese Al-Merrikh Sporting Club.
Arrival, Early Promise, and Professional Career
Salima began his journey with Bullets in 2022, quickly making an impression during his breakout season with the reserves. At the same time, he signed his first professional contract with the club, marking his official entry into senior football.
He earned the Reserves’ Players’ Player of the Season award and finished as the top scorer in the FDH Bank Cup, a clear statement of intent from a determined 18-year-old ready to rise through the ranks.
Signing a professional contract allowed Salima to refine his skills, gain valuable experience, and demonstrate his potential at a higher level of competition. This foundation paved the way for his eventual promotion to the first team and his influential role in the club’s successes.
Growth Through Experience
To further his development, Salima was loaned to Bangwe All Stars in 2023. Regular game time and added responsibility allowed him to mature tactically and mentally. He played a decisive role as Bangwe All Stars secured a top-eight finish in the TNM Super League, collecting multiple individual accolades along the way.
During this spell, moments of composure stood out. He dictated tempo, made decisive contributions, and shouldered responsibility in tight matches. The loan sharpened his competitive edge and prepared him for the next step.
Style of Play and Presence
Salima’s impact at Bullets went beyond statistics. Comfortable between the lines, he read the game with intelligence, timing his runs to exploit spaces and create scoring chances. He also excelled at breaking into the box and finishing from the byline, adding an unpredictable edge to the team’s attack.
Equally striking was his consistency. Game after game, he set the tempo, made the right decisions, and delivered under pressure. His presence on the pitch was quiet yet commanding, shaping the flow of play and giving Bullets a steady, creative heartbeat.
Breaking into the First Team
Salima had already shown his goal-scoring talent before fully establishing himself. While on loan at Bangwe All Stars, he scored on his TNM Super League debut in a 1-1 away draw against Dedza Dynamos on April 17, 2023.
In 2024, Salima was promoted to the Bullets senior team following a successful loan spell. He made his competitive debut for the Bullets first team in the Charity Shield, a 7-6 penalty win over Silver Strikers following a 0-0 draw to open the 2024 season at Bingu National Stadium. His first goal with Bullets senior team came on July 31, when The People’s Team defeated Bangwe All Stars 2-0 at Mpira Stadium.
The wing-attacker adapted quickly to top-flight football, with maturity and confidence helping him establish himself within the squad. He contributed four goals and five assists during the season, earning the club’s Most Improved Player award at the Red Carpet Event.
Salima also played a key role in Bullets’ 1–0 Airtel Top 8 final victory over Silver Strikers in November, helping secure the trophy. His performances during that period earned him the Hubertus Clausius Player of the Month award for November 2024. His ability to dictate play and unlock defences ensured that Bullets maintained their creative heartbeat during a period of transition at the club.
A Standout 2025 Campaign
The 2025 season marked the peak of Salima’s time at Bullets, filled with defining moments and consistent excellence.
In May, he scored the decisive goal in a 1–0 victory over Dedza Dynamos, securing Bullets’ first-ever league win on Dedza soil. In August, a second-half header sealed a crucial 1–0 league win against Mafco. In November, he scored a stunning hat-trick in a thrilling 4–3 win over Civil Service United, earning Player of the Match honours.
Over 28 league appearances, Salima scored 15 goals and provided 13 assists, earning a share of the TNM Super League Golden Boot alongside Babatunde Adepoju. He also featured in four Airtel Top 8 matches, scoring once, and two FDH Bank Cup games. Although he did not play in the ongoing Castel Challenge Cup, his contributions throughout the season had already made a lasting impact.
His consistency was recognised with four Player of the Month awards, earned in May, September, November, and December. The final honour came just weeks before completing his transfer to Al-Merrikh SC, reflecting his sustained excellence and importance to the team.
Numbers That Tell the Story
Over two seasons with the senior side, Salima made 69 appearances, scoring 29 goals and providing 31 assists. His consistency and influence were clear both on and off the ball.
Farewell and Legacy
With the transfer to Sudanese giants Al-Merrikh SC now completed, Salima departs Bullets having completed a remarkable chapter in his career. From a promising reserve player to a Golden Boot winner and first-team mainstay, his journey reflects the club’s commitment to nurturing talent.
Salima reflected on his journey:
“From the moment I joined the reserves, I felt the warmth and professionalism of The People’s Team. Every training session, every match, every coach, and every teammate played a part in shaping me into the player I am today.
Lifting the Airtel Top 8 trophy in my first season with the senior team stands out as the proudest moment of my career. It showed me what we can achieve together when talent, hard work, and belief align.”
“I am deeply grateful to the Bullets fans. From the early days in the reserves to my time in the first team, their support has never wavered. Even on challenging days, their encouragement pushed me to give my best, to grow, and to reach new heights. Their energy, passion, and faith are what helped me earn this opportunity to continue my career abroad.”
By the end of the 2025 season, Salima’s place in the squad—and in the hearts of supporters—was secure. What began as promise matured into production, and his journey from the reserves to first-team influence and continental opportunity will be remembered fondly.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets thank Chikumbutso Salima for every appearance, goal, assist, and moment of pride in red. This is not just a farewell, but a celebration of a journey well lived—and a future followed with pride.
“Even on days I was down, the fans appreciated my effort, and that pushed me to be where I am today.”
