Paul Master produced an outstanding display during Saturday’s FDH Bank Premiership encounter against Blue Eagles at Civo Stadium, earning the FDH Bank Premiership Player of the Match award after a commanding display in midfield.
Although the contest ended in a 1-1 draw, the midfielder stood out throughout the afternoon as he controlled large spells of the game.
Master also played a key role in Bullets’ equalising goal after Ephraim Kondowe pounced on the rebound from his long-range effort to help The People’s Team earn a point in Lilongwe.
He also captained Bullets on the afternoon as club captain Blessings Mpokera and vice-captains Yankho Singo and Chawanangwa Gumbo were all named among the substitutes.
Against his former club, Master combined composure, energy and leadership in the middle of the park as Gilbert Chirwa’s men recovered from a first-half deficit through Kondowe’s second-half equaliser.
Speaking to Bullets Media after receiving the accolade, the midfielder said he embraced the responsibility entrusted to him by the technical panel.
“I had to give it everything,” said Master. “The technical panel trusted me with the leadership role, and I had to prove I was ready for the responsibility. I focused on keeping possession to help maintain our energy levels, and things worked out according to plan.”
Master added that the recognition has motivated him to continue improving ahead of the upcoming matches.
“I am more motivated than ever, and I will continue performing well to achieve even more. I’m already looking forward to the upcoming matches,” he said.
Despite his individual recognition, Master admitted disappointment over the team’s failure to collect maximum points in Lilongwe after consecutive draws.
“As players, this was not the result we were hoping for,” he explained.
“We were coming from another draw and needed a win. But football can be unpredictable, and this is one of the possible outcomes. We now shift focus to the next game, where we aim to bounce back and collect all three points.”
The midfielder also stressed the importance of returning to winning ways as the season progresses.
“It was a good match, but it hurts not to get the result we wanted,” he said. “We will go back to the drawing board, address our shortcomings, and work towards returning to winning ways. Draws slow down progress, so we must improve and start winning again.”
Saturday’s recognition marked Master’s second individual accolade for Bullets after previously being named Player of the Match during last season’s 2-0 away victory over MAFCO FC.
Bullets remain fourth on the FDH Bank Premiership table with nine points from five matches.
