As FCB Nyasa Big Bullets gear up for Saturday’s Castel Challenge Cup final at Bingu National Stadium, Maule have plenty to celebrate.
This weekend’s clash against Goshen City Dedza Dynamos marks Bullets’ 17th cup final in the last 14 years — and our second shot at the Castel Challenge Cup after lifting it in 2023.
Over the years, The People’s Team have built a reputation for shining when it matters most — 11 wins from 17 finals prove that we thrive in knockout football.
Let’s take a walk down memory lane and relive some of the greatest cup final moments.
2012 – Presidential Cup Magic
After years of struggle off the pitch, Bullets returned to the cup spotlight. The Presidential Cup final was moved from Kamuzu Stadium to Civo Stadium on FAM’s recommendation.
Within three minutes, Heston Munthali — now Head Coach of Bullets Reserves and assistant to interim First Team Head Coach Gilbert Chirwa — fired Bullets into the lead. That early strike set the tone for a historic victory, making Maule only the second team to lift the trophy since its launch in 2011.
2014 – Dominant Double
Bullets were unstoppable in 2014, claiming both the league and the Carlsberg Cup. Goals from Victor Limbani and Henry Kabichi — now Reserves Assistant Coach — sealed the win in front of a packed Kamuzu Stadium.
The season was capped off with total dominance, a true statement of Maule’s strength.
2015 – Cup Final Heartbreak
Even giants face setbacks. Maule fell 2-1 to rivals Mighty Wanderers in the Carlsberg Cup final at Civo Stadium. Jafali Chande scored for Bullets, but Victor Nyirenda and Kondwani Kumwenda — who would later join The People’s Team — handed the blue camp victory.
Despite the loss in the cup, Bullets successfully defended the league.
2016 – Presidential Cup Redemption
After missing out on the league, Bullets sought silverware in the Presidential Cup final against Moyale Barracks at Civo Stadium. Wiseman Kamanga gave the opposition the lead in the second half, but Chiukepo Msowoya’s late equaliser sent the match to penalties.
Bullets held firm, winning 4-3 to lift another trophy.
2017 – Derby Glory at Bingu
The 2017 Carlsberg Cup final at Bingu National Stadium was a classic. Muhammad Sulumba, now playing for our rivals, equalised after Jafali Chande had put the Nomads ahead. Nelson Kangunje converted from the spot to force penalties.
Bullets stayed cool under pressure, and after Yamikani Chester struck the post, Maule lifted the trophy once again.
2018 – Airtel Top 8 Heartbreak
Even Maule taste defeat. A controversial late penalty from Stewart Mbunge saw Blue Eagles edge us 1-0 at Bingu. A reminder that every final counts, every moment matters.
2020/21 – Airtel Top 8 Redemption
After dominating the league, Bullets added another trophy by defeating Silver Strikers 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Blantyre. Lanjesi Nkhoma cancelled out Stain Davie’s opener, and Ernest Kakhobwe’s crucial save set up Nickson Nyasulu’s decisive penalty. Maule were champions once again.
2022 – Double Winners
Bullets claimed the league and FDH Bank Cup double, humbling our Reserves 3-1 in the final thanks to goals from Babatunde Adepoju, Anthony Mfune, and Chimwemwe Idana.
A treble eluded us after a penalty shootout loss to Mighty Wanderers in the Airtel Top 8, but the victories showed the depth and class of Maule.
2023 – Historic Quadruple
The 2023 season was one for the history books. Bullets claimed an unprecedented quadruple — the TNM Super League, FDH Bank Cup, Castel Challenge Cup, and Airtel Top 8.
Highlights included a 3-0 FDH Bank Cup final win over Mafco, a penalty shootout triumph in the inaugural Castel Challenge Cup, and another Airtel Top 8 victory over Mafco FC. Four trophies, one unforgettable season — that’s Maule at their best.
2024 – Mixed Fortunes
After a record-breaking 2023, Bullets faced tough competition the following season, losing the league to Silver Strikers, the FDH final to Blue Eagles, and the Castel Challenge Cup final to Mighty Wanderers.
Still, Maule never quit — we retained the Airtel Top 8 Cup with a 1-0 win over Silver Strikers, courtesy of Ernest Petro’s second-half strike.
2025 – Airtel Top 8 Hat-Trick
Despite setbacks in the league and FDH Cup, Bullets lifted the Airtel Top 8 Cup once again. A 1-1 draw with Silver Strikers went to penalties, where Maule prevailed 4-3, securing a fourth Top 8 crown and a third consecutive triumph in the competition.
Cup Final Record at Bingu National Stadium
At Bingu National Stadium, Maule have reached eight cup finals, winning five and losing three. Victories came in 2017, 2023, 2024, and 2025, with three secured via penalties. Two of the three defeats were also decided on the spot.
The only teams to beat Bullets at Bingu are Blue Eagles and Mighty Wanderers.
Under the former Malawi international, Chirwa, Bullets will be looking to reclaim the Castel Challenge Cup which Wanderers won in 2024.
This weekend, Maule step onto Bingu once again — bring the fight, defend our legacy, and add another chapter to our cup history. Be part of the action: come support Bullets and witness history in the making.
