FCB Nyasa Big Bullets return to FDH Bank Premiership action on Monday when they host Masters FC at Mpira Stadium.
The fixture marks the renewal of a familiar rivalry following Masters’ return to the top flight under a new identity after acquiring Baka City’s Premiership status ahead of the 2026 season and rebranding as Masters Football Club.
The visitors are coached by former Bullets head coach Peter Mponda, while former Bullets captain Precious Sambani is among the familiar faces set to return to face The People’s Team.
Ahead of Monday’s encounter, we take a closer look at Masters FC’s history, current form and the players who could influence proceedings at Mpira Stadium.
Recent History
Although Masters Football Club are newcomers to the 2026 FDH Bank Premiership, the rivalry with Bullets stretches back to the club’s previous incarnation as Masters Security FC.
Masters Security competed in the TNM Super League until their relegation at the end of the 2019 season before the club was disbanded a year later.
The club returned to the top flight ahead of the 2026 campaign after acquiring the Premiership status of Baka City and was subsequently rebranded as Masters Football Club.
Although the club now competes under a new identity, previous meetings between the sides produced several memorable contests.
Bullets enjoyed the upper hand in the 2019 league campaign, following up a goalless draw at Dedza Stadium with a commanding 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture.
The rivalry also produced two memorable moments in 2018. Masters Security became the first side to end Bullets’ unbeaten league run with a 1-0 victory before eliminating Maule from the Carlsberg Cup at the semifinal stage, winning 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Earlier that season, The People’s Team claimed a 2-0 league victory, while a pre-season friendly also ended in a 2-0 win for Bullets.
In December 2017, Bullets were awarded a 2-0 victory after Masters Security failed to fulfil a league fixture.
Current Form
Masters made an outstanding start to the campaign, winning each of their opening three league matches to lead the FDH Bank Premiership standings.
However, recent results have seen Mponda’s side slip to sixth place.
They opened the campaign with a 1-0 victory over Chitipa United before coming from behind to beat Karonga United 2-1 away from home. A 2-0 success over fellow newcomers Luanar Mitundu followed as Mponda’s side collected the maximum nine points from their opening three fixtures.
Their unbeaten run ended with a 3-0 defeat to Silver Strikers, but they responded emphatically by thrashing Goshen City Dedza Dynamos 4-0, with Hastings Ndau scoring a hat-trick and Enock Kaonga adding the fourth goal.
Consecutive defeats to Ekhaya FC and Creck Sporting Club have since slowed their momentum heading into Monday’s encounter.
Masters have scored 10 goals and conceded nine in seven matches.
Against Bullets
Although Masters return to the top flight under a new identity, meetings between the two clubs date back to the Masters Security era.
Bullets enjoyed the upper hand in the most recent league meetings in 2019, drawing 0-0 away before recording a commanding 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture.
The rivalry has also produced memorable cup encounters. In 2018, Masters Security edged Bullets 4-3 on penalties to reach the Carlsberg Cup final after the semifinal had ended 1-1 in regulation time.
Earlier that year, however, The People’s Team claimed a 2-0 league victory, while a pre-season friendly also ended in a 2-0 win for Bullets.
Overall, the rivalry has produced memorable league and cup encounters over the years, adding another layer of intrigue as the clubs renew acquaintances on Monday.
Key Players
Hastings Ndau
Ndau has enjoyed an impressive start to the season and leads Masters’ scoring charts with three league goals.
The forward announced himself in style with a hat-trick against Goshen City Dedza Dynamos and remains the visitors’ biggest attacking threat.
Patrick Phiri
Phiri has emerged as the creative heartbeat of Mponda’s side.
The former Bullets midfielder is central to Masters’ attacking play, using his vision and creativity to link midfield and attack while creating opportunities for his teammates. His ability to unlock defences makes him one of the visitors’ key threats heading into Monday’s encounter.
Stain Davie
One of the most experienced players in the Masters squad, Davie continues to play an influential role in attack.
The veteran striker has scored twice this season and remains a dangerous presence inside the penalty area.
Monday’s encounter presents another important test for Masters as they seek to arrest their recent slide, while The People’s Team will be aiming to extend their unbeaten league start and strengthen their position in the FDH Bank Premiership standings.
