Civil Service United are next for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Mpira Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off set for 15:00 in the 2026/27 FDH Bank Premiership.
Abbas Makawa’s side sit 11th with 21 points from 17 matches and are seeking their first win of the second round after drawing 1-1 against Dedza Dynamos last weekend.
With a former Bullets midfielder leading their side and recent meetings producing plenty of goals, we examine the Servants ahead of the Matchweek 18 encounter.
Recent History
The first-round meeting finished 2-2 at Civo Stadium, where Khumbo Mhone scored for Civil and earned the Player of the Match award.
That result continued a sequence of closely contested fixtures. Last season, Civil won 2-1 in Lilongwe before Bullets edged a seven-goal encounter 4-3 at Kamuzu Stadium.
Both matches in 2024 ended level: 1-1 at Kamuzu and 2-2 at Civo.
The previous campaign also demanded resilience from Bullets. After coming from behind to draw 1-1 away, we recovered from a two-goal half-time deficit to win the home fixture 3-2.
Bullets took four points from the meetings in 2022, winning 1-0 away and drawing 1-1 at home, having completed a league double through successive 2-1 victories in the 2020/21 season.
The longer record favours Bullets, but the last three league encounters alone have produced 14 goals.
Current Form
Civil’s campaign has brought six wins, three draws and eight defeats, with 11 goals scored and 16 conceded.
Their best recent spell came before the midseason break, when victories over Blue Eagles, MAFCO and Kamuzu Barracks delivered nine points from three matches.
They have been unable to extend that winning sequence since the restart. A 1-0 loss to Karonga United was followed by Saturday’s draw against Dedza.
Narrow margins have defined much of their season. Five of their six victories finished 1-0, against Ekhaya, MAFCO, Kamuzu Barracks, Creck Sporting Club and Dedza. The exception was a 2-1 success over Blue Eagles.
Alongside their draws with Bullets and Dedza, they have also shared the points with Silver Strikers.
Six of their eight defeats have likewise been decided by a single goal: against Karonga in both meetings, Red Lions, Chitipa United, Masters FC and Moyale Barracks.
The heavier setbacks came against Luanar Mitundu, who beat them 3-0, and Mighty Wanderers, who won 2-0.
Civil travel to Mpira seven points above the relegation zone, looking to secure their first victory since the restart.
Style of Play
Civil look to move the ball through midfield, using short combinations to create room for their wide players.
Captain Righteous Banda helps set the rhythm in possession, with Khumbo Mhone, Muhammad Biyason and Frank Chizuze offering the ability to receive under pressure and carry attacks forward.
The Servants are also prepared to press high. Mpira’s artificial surface should suit their preference for quick passing and movement, presenting a different challenge from the physical contests against Blue Eagles and MAFCO.
Their wingers provide width and direct running, while movement around the ball gives the player in possession options to advance.
That ambition can leave gaps when attacks break down. Civil’s recovery runs and protection of central areas will be tested if Bullets move the ball quickly after winning it back.
The midfield contest will therefore be important: Civil will want time to combine, while Bullets will look to disrupt their passing and exploit the spaces left behind.
Key Players
Righteous Banda
Civil captain and former Bullets midfielder Righteous Banda brings experience and authority to the Servants’ midfield.
His range of passing allows him to switch play and find teammates between defensive lines, while his composure helps Civil retain possession and dictate the tempo.
He also provides quality from set pieces, making his delivery a threat around the penalty area.
Khumbo Mhone
Mhone has established himself as a key attacking outlet since joining from Moyale Barracks at the start of last season.
The winger’s pace and close control allow him to advance quickly, and he looks to deliver crosses before defenders can settle.
His understanding with Banda caused problems in last season’s 4-3 meeting, while his goal and Player of the Match display in the first round make him a familiar threat for Bullets.
Saulos Moyo
Civil’s leading scorer with two league goals, Moyo has also earned Player of the Match recognition this campaign.
His experience gives the Servants another important option in attack as they seek their first victory of the second round.
Civil will be looking to end their wait for a second-round victory, while Bullets will aim to make it three wins from three since the restart.
After the four-goal draw at Civo, Nyirenda’s men will be seeking a decisive edge on home turf.
