FCB Nyasa Big Bullets return to FDH Bank Premiership action on Sunday when we host Chitipa United at Mpira Stadium.
The league returns following last weekend’s pause for the Airtel Top 8 semifinals, with The People’s Team seeking an immediate response after our first defeat of the campaign.
Chitipa arrive in Blantyre occupying eighth position with 16 points from 11 matches and on a three-match unbeaten run.
Their recent sequence includes consecutive victories over Goshen City Dedza Dynamos and Ekhaya FC.
Ahead of the Matchweek 12 encounter, we take a closer look at Chitipa’s recent history, current form, record against Bullets and the players who could influence proceedings.
Recent History
Chitipa returned to the top flight in 2023 after winning the Northern Region Football Association Premier Division.
They made an immediate impression during their first season back, finishing fourth with 48 points from 30 matches after recording 14 victories, six draws and 10 defeats.
That campaign also included their only league victory over Bullets, secured by a Collins Okumu own goal at Karonga Stadium.
The Northern Region side have remained in the top flight since then and are now competing in their fourth successive season following promotion.
After 11 matches of the current campaign, Chitipa remain within reach of the leading group, with four points separating them from fourth-placed Bullets.
Current Form
Chitipa occupy eighth position with 16 points from 11 matches, having recorded five victories, one draw and five defeats.
They have scored nine goals and conceded 13, giving them a goal difference of minus four.
Their victories have come against Blue Eagles, Civil Service United, Kamuzu Barracks, Goshen City Dedza Dynamos and Ekhaya.
They have drawn once, holding Silver Strikers to a goalless result at Chitipa Stadium, while their five defeats came against Masters FC, Moyale Barracks, MAFCO, Mighty Wanderers and Red Lions.
A 4–0 home defeat to Wanderers remains their heaviest loss of the campaign.
Chitipa have since collected seven points from their last three matches, keeping clean sheets in two of them.
After drawing 0–0 with Silver, they recorded their first away victory of the season by beating Goshen City 2–1 at Dedza Stadium before overcoming Ekhaya 1–0 in their most recent outing.
Friday Osagie leads their scoring chart with three goals, followed by Zenga Manda and Olamba Ngese with two apiece. Joseph Mbagha and Chancy Kaonga have contributed one goal each.
Against Bullets
Sunday’s fixture will be the 12th top-flight league meeting between Bullets and Chitipa United.
The People’s Team have won nine of the previous 11 encounters, with Chitipa registering one victory and the other meeting ending in a draw.
Bullets completed a league double over the Northern Region side during the 2020/21 campaign.
Chitipa recorded their only league victory over The People’s Team in the first round of the 2023 season, when a Collins Okumu own goal handed them a 1–0 win at Karonga Stadium.
Bullets have since regained control of the fixture and completed another double in 2025.
The first-round meeting ended in a 3–0 victory at Kamuzu Stadium before goals from Henry Chiwaya and Babatunde Adepoju secured a 2–0 win at Chitipa Stadium in the reverse fixture.
Chitipa have never recorded an away league victory over Bullets, although their organisation has often required The People’s Team to remain patient.
Sunday’s encounter presents Bullets with an opportunity to register a third successive league victory over Chitipa and return to winning ways following the defeat to Goshen City Dedza Dynamos at Dedza Stadium.
Key Players
Zenga Manda
Manda has emerged as an important figure in Chitipa’s attack this season, contributing two of their nine league goals.
His pace, close control and willingness to take on defenders provide a direct threat in attacking areas.
His movement can also create space for teammates, while his ability to carry the ball forward gives Chitipa an outlet when transitioning into attack.
Friday Osagie
Osagie has adapted quickly to his new surroundings after joining Chitipa following his departure from Dedza Dynamos at the end of last season.
The Nigerian leads the club’s scoring chart with three goals and provides experience at the top end of the pitch.
His movement inside the penalty area, physical presence and ability to convert opportunities make him one of the players Bullets will need to monitor closely.
Chitipa arrive at Mpira Stadium on a three-match unbeaten run, but Bullets have controlled this fixture historically, winning nine of the previous 11 league meetings.
The People’s Team will be looking to impose ourselves, produce an immediate response and secure maximum points on home soil.
