FCB Nyasa Big Bullets youth team is set for international action at an Under-17 tournament in Zambia.
The competition, organised by Kafue Celtic FC, will take place in Lusaka from June 5 to 7.
The tournament, which is open to players born in 2009 and 2010, will bring together some of the region’s promising youth sides and national select teams in a showcase aimed at promoting player development and international exposure.
Bullets are among the confirmed participants alongside hosts Kafue Celtic U17, fellow Malawian side Ascent Soccer U17, a Zambia U17 Select side and Académie les Aigles du Congo U17 from the Democratic Republic of Congo, with another team from Zimbabwe expected to complete the lineup.
The event is expected to provide a competitive platform for emerging talent across Southern and Central Africa, offering players an opportunity to test themselves against different football environments and playing styles.
European scouts are also expected to attend the competition, creating valuable opportunities for participating players while strengthening connections between clubs and youth structures across the region.
Kafue Celtic is widely recognised for its strong academy system, having previously produced notable players such as Patson Daka, who plays for Leicester City, Enock Mwepu, formerly of Brighton & Hove Albion, and Jonathan Kalimina, who recently joined Red Bull Salzburg.
The tournament opportunity was facilitated through the newly established Nyasa Big Bullets Foundation as part of the club’s wider vision of creating international development pathways and exposure opportunities for emerging talent.
Bullets youth team coach Yamikani Fodya believes the tournament will provide an important platform for the club’s emerging talent to experience international football.
Fodya said exposure to international competition at an early stage could play a key role in preparing players for bigger opportunities in the future and contribute to the growth of Malawian football.
“We have a lot of talented players in Malawi and, as a club, we believe we have the quality to compete at this level,” said Fodya.
“These are players who are still learning, so while we are going there to compete, we are also going there to learn and experience a different football environment.”
The former Bullets left-back and club captain, who spent 13 years with The People’s Team and is also a former Malawi international, was appointed youth team coach in 2024.
Fodya also highlighted the importance of the tournament for the technical team through exposure to different football ideas, environments and levels of competition.
