FCB Nyasa Big Bullets open the 2026/27 FDH Bank Premiership campaign with an away fixture against Civil Service United at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe this Saturday.
The new season marks a new era for domestic football, with the competition now rebranded as the FDH Bank Premiership following the conclusion of the TNM Super League at the end of the 2025 season.
The People’s Team head into the fixture looking to respond after a 1-0 defeat to Mighty Wanderers in the NBS Bank Charity Shield, as focus turns to the start of the league campaign.
FORM GUIDE
Bullets come into the match on the back of a solid pre-season, recording two wins and two draws while scoring seven goals and conceding just once.
That run was followed by a narrow defeat in the Charity Shield. The performance nonetheless provided positives as the team continues to build towards the new campaign.
Civil Service United approach the fixture in strong form after lifting the Central Region Elite Teams Easter Bonanza, where Abas Makawa’s side scored five goals and conceded just once on their way to the title.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Bullets have held the upper hand in this fixture over the past decade, although recent meetings have been more competitive.
Civil Service United claimed a 2-1 win in Lilongwe in last season’s first-round encounter, while Bullets responded with a dramatic 4-3 victory in the reverse fixture in Blantyre.
THE NUMBERS THAT MATTER
Bullets scored seven goals and conceded just once across four pre-season matches before falling 1-0 in the Charity Shield, their first competitive outing ahead of the league campaign. Civil Service United, meanwhile, scored five and conceded once on their way to lifting the Central Region Elite Teams Easter Bonanza.
TEAM NEWS
We head into the opener with a squad strengthened by several new arrivals, including Pilirani Mapira and McLean Mwale, alongside Emmanuel Kaunga, Ahamad Kung’unde, Clever Kalambo, Dastan Banda and George Chaomba, while Aaron Chilipa has completed a permanent return to the club and is part of the travelling squad in Lilongwe.
In goal, Mapira is available for selection for the opener, while Mwale did not travel due to injury concerns.
The team will, however, be without a number of players. Mike Mkwate is expected to miss the opener after sustaining a muscle injury in the Charity Shield, while Frank Willard and Kung’unde are also unavailable after picking up knocks in recent training sessions.
Chrispin Mapemba remains sidelined as he recovers from surgery.
TACTICAL FOCUS
Midfield control and efficiency in front of goal are expected to be key, with Bullets looking to build on their structured play shown during pre-season.
However, the playing surface at Civo Stadium may influence the approach, requiring a balance between possession play and a more direct style, with second balls and transitions likely to be key.
Defensive organisation will also be important, particularly in dealing with crosses and quick transitions, as both sides look to adapt in what could be a physically demanding contest.
COACH’S THOUGHTS
Head Coach Gilbert Chirwa says the team is ready for the challenge ahead, pointing to positive preparations and growing cohesion within the squad as Bullets prepare for the trip to Lilongwe.
“We know Civil is a good team, and going to Lilongwe is never easy, but our preparations have gone well. The players have worked very hard, and we have seen positives in how the team is coming together. We have told the boys to stay focused and give everything so that we can come back with a positive result.”
OPPOSITION VIEW
Civil Service United head coach Abas Makawa says his team is ready for the challenge ahead after a productive pre-season.
While acknowledging the departure of several key players, he expressed confidence in the new signings, praising their commitment and hunger to succeed.
He also pointed to the team’s strong pre-season form, including their triumph in the Central Region Top 8 Elite Teams Easter Bonanza, as a major boost to morale ahead of the opener.
KEY BATTLE
The midfield contest is expected to be decisive, with both teams looking to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game.
Winning second balls could also prove decisive, particularly given the playing surface at Civo Stadium, which can disrupt rhythm and limit fluid build-up play. That may force a more direct approach at times, making reactions to loose balls and transitions key in shaping the outcome.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The opening match presents an opportunity to set the tone for the season, with Bullets aiming to start strongly in the FDH Bank Premiership.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Easter Zimba
Assistant Referees: Hendrix Maseko, Samson Wasili
Fourth Official: Mercy Mziya
Match Assessor: Simon Jovinala
MATCH DETAILS
Competition: FDH Bank Premiership
Fixture: Civil Service United vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Venue: Civo Stadium, Lilongwe
Date: Saturday
Kick-off: 14:30
TICKETING
Supporters planning to attend the match at Civo Stadium can purchase tickets across three categories, with gate charges set at MK15,000 for VIP, MK10,000 for the Covered stands, and MK7,000 for the Open category.
Maule, come out in numbers and rally behind The People’s Team as the new campaign gets underway.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Supporters can follow the match across the club’s official digital platforms for live updates, highlights and post-match coverage.
With preparations complete and confidence building within the squad, Bullets aim to deliver a disciplined performance and start the 2026/27 FDH Bank Premiership campaign on a positive note in the Capital City.
MATCHDAY 1 FIXTURES
The 2026/27 FDH Bank Premiership season gets underway this afternoon, with fixtures taking place across the country, all kicking off at 14:30.
In the South, Mighty Wanderers host Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
In the Central Region, Civil Service United face FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe, while Kamuzu Barracks take on Silver Strikers at Champion Stadium in Mponela.
In the North, Moyale FC host Goshen City Dedza Dynamos at Rumphi Stadium.
