FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Gilbert Chirwa says he saw clear improvement from his players during Saturday’s 1-1 FDH Bank Premiership draw against Blue Eagles at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
The People’s Team came from behind through Ephraim Kondowe’s second-half equaliser to earn a point against the Area 30-based cops after trailing at halftime.
Speaking after the final whistle, Chirwa admitted there was visible progress in the team’s performance compared to last weekend’s goalless draw against Red Lions in Mwanza.
“Definitely yes, there is a lot of improvement in the team as compared to how we performed last week,” said the former Bullets defender.
“As a team, we are improving because there is better coordination amongst the players especially in the second half. So yes, I am happy with today’s performance.”
He also acknowledged the challenge posed by Blue Eagles throughout the contest, describing the encounter as a demanding and competitive match for both teams.
“It was a high-tempo game. I think Blue Eagles are a good team and they really played well,” he said. “For us to salvage a point after trailing 1-0 in the first half after making those changes, is not a bad result. It was a good game for both teams.”
Bullets introduced Misheck Billiat and Kondowe at the restart for Peter Banda and Yamikani Mologeni before later bringing on George Chaomba and Chawanangwa Gumbo for Madalitso Safuli and Clever Kalambo as The People’s Team pushed for an improved second-half display after trailing at the break.
It was Safuli’s first start of the campaign after making his league debut as a second-half substitute against Red Lions in Mwanza last week.
The midfielder rejoined Bullets ahead of the 2026/27 season following a loan spell with Mzuzu City Hammers last term.
Towards the end of the match, both Emmanuel Kaunga and Andrew Jovinala sustained injuries, something Chirwa admitted was a concern for the team going forward.
“It’s really a concern but all the same, we have got more players, and I believe some of them will come in and fill the gaps,” he explained.
Saturday’s result was Bullets’ third draw from the opening five league matches, but Chirwa insisted there is still enough time for the team to improve as the campaign progresses.
“It’s worrisome, but all the same, it’s a game of football, and these things do happen,” stated our head coach.
“We have played five games, and plenty of games are coming. We will keep on working hard, and we will definitely improve as games continue coming.”
Chirwa also reserved praise for Safuli and Billiat, who were promoted from the club’s Reserves side to join the first team this season and have continued adapting positively to senior football.
“They are coping with pressure very well, and they keep on performing well,” he said. “They are fearless boys, and I believe with time, they will even play for the national team.”
Chirwa later described the draw as a fair outcome after an evenly contested match in Lilongwe.
“We are very much sure that it was a tough game, and Blue Eagles played well, scored in the first half, and we came back with the equalising goal after we made some changes in the second half,” he said, before adding that it “was a fair result for us.”
Bullets remain fourth on the FDH Bank Premiership table with nine points from five matches.
