FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves will begin their 2026/27 Southern Region Football Association FINCA Premier Division campaign against Mwanza Stars at Joyce Chitsulo Stadium on Sunday.
The match, which kicks off at 14:30, will not only mark the start of a new league season for the reserves side, but will also serve as the official launch fixture of the 2026/27 competition, with football supporters in Mwanza set to witness the opening chapter of another exciting regional campaign.
Sunday’s encounter will also see the reserves side return to Joyce Chitsulo Stadium, which is currently being used by the senior team as one of its home venues following the temporary closure of Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Joyce Chitsulo Stadium has already hosted two matches involving The People’s Team this season and now provides the backdrop for the opening weekend of the regional campaign.
Maule also returns to the venue following last season’s draw against Mwanza Stars in November, when Enos Henderman’s late equaliser earned the visitors a point on the road.
After a four-month break, the Premier Division League returns following the conclusion of the previous campaign in January, where the young Bullets finished third in the standings.
Sixteen teams are competing in this season’s Premier Division, which serves as the third tier of Malawian football.
The fixture also comes at a transitional moment for Maule following the recent move of Heston Munthali to the senior team technical bench as interim assistant coach.
With Munthali currently working with the first team setup, Henry Kabichi is overseeing the side as preparations continue ahead of the opening fixture.
Kabichi steps into the role with strong familiarity of the club’s setup after spending the past two seasons as assistant coach of the Reserves.
The young Maule side heads into the new season looking to build on last campaign’s strong performances while continuing to provide a pathway for several players into the club’s senior setup.
This season’s squad again features a blend of promising academy graduates and experienced reserve team players, underlining Bullets’ continued commitment to youth development and long-term player progression.
The opening fixture also comes amid an important new era for the regional competition following the introduction of FINCA Malawi as title sponsors. The partnership is expected to further strengthen the league’s growth and create more opportunities for emerging football talent across the region.
For Kabichi’s side, Sunday presents an early opportunity to set the tone for the season while continuing the club’s long-standing commitment to player development and competitive progression.
Maule’s young side will now look to make a strong statement in Mwanza as a new chapter of the season begins.
