FCB Nyasa Big Bullets forward Tinaye Tsimba reflected on making his opportunity count after stepping off the bench to deliver a decisive late double in Sunday’s 3-0 victory over MAFCO.
Introduced in the 77th minute, the Zimbabwean opened his competitive account in only his second appearance, earning the Player of the Match award as The People’s Team reclaimed the FDH Bank Premiership summit at Civo Stadium.
Tsimba explained that his preparation began while watching the contest from the bench.
“When you are on the bench, you have to study the game and identify the weaknesses of the opposition, especially the defenders. That is what I was doing,” he said.
“This does not mean Ephraim Kondowe was not doing well. He did his best, but I saw an opportunity to help the team, got into the right positions and managed to score. I am grateful for that.”
Bullets had led through Clever Kalambo’s early opener, but a second goal remained elusive despite several opportunities either side of the interval.
Tsimba replaced the goalscorer and soon threatened, sending an effort narrowly wide before giving us breathing space in the 87th minute.
He beat two defenders and finished beyond Owen Mbale, then converted George Chaomba’s pass in the fourth minute of added time to complete his brace.
For the forward, those first goals were a welcome reward as he settles into life at Bullets.
“When I came here, my main target was to score goals. Nothing more, nothing less. Bullets is a big club, and scoring these two goals has brought me relief,” he said.
Tsimba had already shown his threat on debut against Blue Eagles, twice going close in the closing stages of our 2-0 victory at Mpira Stadium.
Having followed that promising introduction with a decisive contribution at Civo, he acknowledged the support behind his start at the club.
“I want to thank God for giving me this opportunity to play for Bullets. It is not by my own strength, but by God’s grace. I also want to thank my family back home, who have been praying for me to achieve great things here,” he said.
His gratitude for the goals and the Player of the Match award came with a determination to build on the performance.
“This will motivate me to work harder and help the team achieve more.”
Supporters chanted Tsimba’s name at Civo, a reception the forward says strengthened his determination to repay their backing.
“I am very grateful. It is not easy to win the hearts of Bullets supporters, so hearing them chant my name made me want to do more to make them happy and prove that I am here to score goals,” he said.
Bullets now turn to Saturday’s meeting with Civil Service United at Mpira Stadium, having reclaimed top spot with 36 points from 17 matches.
