The Liberian international has spoken about the passionate following that drew him to The People’s Team and his determination to embrace the first overseas move of his career.
Sheku Sheriff says the scale of support behind FCB Nyasa Big Bullets has strengthened his desire to make a lasting contribution after beginning a new chapter with the club.
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder was unveiled on Tuesday after signing a two-year contract, becoming Bullets’ first addition of the summer transfer window and Wedson Nyirenda’s first signing since taking charge in June.
Sheriff arrives in Malawi following more than a decade in Liberian football, during which he represented NTA Professionals, Gardnersville FC, LISCR FC, Shaita FC and LPRC Oilers.
Before completing his move, he had already been struck by the passion surrounding Bullets—from the club’s home in Blantyre to its nationwide support and strong online following.
“What inspired me most was the size of the club’s support,” Sheriff told club media.
“People in Blantyre love football and they love Bullets, and you can also see how that passionate following extends across Malawi.
“Even when supporters cannot attend matches, they follow the club and show their support online. Bullets truly is The People’s Team, and that motivated me to come here and achieve something special.”
That connection now provides the backdrop to Sheriff’s first move outside Liberia, with the midfielder stepping into a new league and environment after spending his entire senior career in his homeland.
He accepts that adjustment will be part of the challenge but believes the shared language of football will help him settle and show the qualities he believes he can bring to Bullets.
“Coming to a different country, a different league and a different environment will require some adaptation, but footballers speak one language,” he explained.
“I am confident that when I get my opportunity, I will make my mark.”
Sheriff is also under no illusions about the competition awaiting him in Nyirenda’s squad.
Rather than expecting his experience to guarantee a place, the Liberian is prepared to earn his opportunity through his work on the training ground.
“I am prepared because, if I wasn’t, I would not have taken this challenge,” he said.
“I have seen the team and there are very good players here. Everyone has an opportunity to play, and the coach looks at what players are doing in training.
“If you push yourself and perform in training, you give yourself the chance to play. I am waiting for my moment, and when it comes, I will give 100 per cent.”
Sheriff brings domestic, continental and international experience to Bullets, having won six trophies during eight seasons with LISCR FC and represented Liberia in Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
As he begins the next stage of his career in Malawi, the attacking midfielder is determined to turn that experience into a meaningful contribution towards the club’s collective ambitions.
“I hope to achieve a lot with Bullets,” he added. “To play outside my country for the first time and achieve success would be an important step in my career, but the most important thing is what we can accomplish together as a team.”
