FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Gilbert Chirwa addressed the media ahead of Saturday’s FDH Bank Premiership opener against Civil Service United in Lilongwe.
The coach discussed the team’s preparations, injury concerns and squad competition as The People’s Team prepare to kick off the 2026/27 campaign.
Read the full press conference below.
Coach, the new league campaign starts this weekend. How is the team looking?
Thanks very much. Training has gone very well. We know for sure that Civil is a good team, so as we go there we are quite aware. We have told our boys to work very hard so that we can come back from Lilongwe with a positive result.
Back on the road to Lilongwe coming from a 1-0 loss to Mighty Wanderers in the Charity Shield, what lessons has the team taken into the week?
From that game against Wanderers, we took a lot of positives. The new and old players gelled very well, and I believe there are many positives we can build on.
You are starting the season away after the Charity Shield loss, and some supporters have questioned whether you are capable of leading the team this season. What is your response?
Looking at how the team performed against Wanderers, we created a lot of chances and the squad has good depth this time around. The team is ready for the season. For those saying that, I think it is too early—let them wait and see how the team performs.
Bullets are always title contenders, and it has now been two seasons without winning the league. Are you confident of turning things around this season?
The reason we brought in new players was to strengthen the depth of the team. This time around, all departments are covered, and I believe we are ready for the new season.
Talking about the new signings, how are they settling in?
They are doing well. In terms of discipline, they are okay, and they are ready. Some of them featured in the game against Wanderers and performed well. As a team, we are ready for the new season.
Starting the campaign against Civil Service United, what is the mindset after last season’s title race?
We will keep the fighting spirit. It is not because we did not win the league last season that this season will be the same. We are encouraging our players to work hard so that we do well. Based on our pre-season performances, the team is coming together well, and I believe it will work for us.
What are the key areas you have been focusing on during the week?
We have been focusing on finishing and also improving at the back—how we defend and deal with crosses. Those are the key areas, because in midfield we were strong in the game against Wanderers.
Any team updates in terms of injuries going into the first game of the season?
Yes, some players are injured. Mike Mkwate pulled a muscle in the game in Lilongwe, Frank Willard picked up a knock on Wednesday, and Ahamad Kung’unde is also on the injury list.
We saw Aaron Chilipa go through pre-season preparations, but he was not part of the matchday squads. What is the situation?
If a player is coming from injury, we cannot start using him right away. We give him time to fully recover and then look at performance, and when we are satisfied, we can always pick him.
You mentioned the new signings earlier. We noticed Dastan Banda and Madalitso Safuli were not part of the Charity Shield squad. What was the reason?
We determine the performance of a player during training. We compare how they are performing, and when you have many players, you always assess them. It is competition, nothing else.
Finally, what would be your message to the Bullets fans, going to Lilongwe?
The Bullets fans should not lose hope. They should continue supporting the team. I believe we have a very strong squad, and the youngsters who have joined us will strengthen the team. We have a very good side, and I believe we will do well this season.
