The People’s Team kick off their 2025 Castel Challenge Cup campaign with a Round of 32 trip to Songwe Border United at Karonga Stadium on Sunday, aiming to build on a proud history in Malawi’s premier knockout competition.
Ahead of the trip up North, we take a closer look at our record in the competition, where Bullets have already made their mark with memorable victories and silverware.
Early Knockout Dominance
Since the Castel Challenge Cup was launched in 2023, Bullets have established themselves as one of the most formidable sides in the tournament. In just two appearances, we have played 11 matches, winning 10 and losing only once.
During this period, Bullets scored 44 goals and conceded just five from open play, lifting the trophy in the inaugural season and reaching the semifinals the following year. These numbers underline the People’s Team’s dominant knockout pedigree.
2023: Lifting the First Cup
The inaugural 2023 campaign was unforgettable. Bullets opened with a 2-0 victory over Lipulumundu Stars in the Round of 64 at Kamuzu Stadium. The Round of 32 saw another strong performance, beating Soche Madrid 4-2 to advance.
In the Round of 16, we faced fellow TNM Super League side Civil Service United, winning 3-0 to reach the quarterfinals, where Mzuzu City Hammers (then Ekwendeni Hammers) were swept aside 4-0.
The semifinals brought the Blantyre derby against Mighty Wanderers, ending 1-1 in regulation time. Bullets held their nerve to win 4-2 on penalties, booking a place in the final against Silver Strikers. After another 1-1 draw, Bullets prevailed on penalties 4-2, lifting the first-ever Castel Challenge Cup trophy.
2024: Record Wins and Heartbreak
The 2024 campaign started with a statement of dominance — a 22-1 victory over Kumanda FC in the opening round, the largest winning margin in the competition’s history.
A 5-0 Round of 32 win over Changalume Barracks followed. In the Round of 16, a first-half strike from Ephraim Kondowe secured a hard-fought victory against Hill Top FC, setting up a quarterfinal clash with MMF Marines, which Bullets won 3-1.
The semifinal saw a repeat meeting with Mzuzu City Hammers. After a goalless draw in regulation time, Bullets were eliminated 4-1 on penalties, narrowly missing out on defending their crown.
Stars of the Tournament
The 2023 triumph also brought individual accolades. Lanjesi Nkhoma, now with TP Mazembe in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was named Player of the Tournament, while goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba claimed Goalkeeper of the Tournament, keeping three clean sheets. Their brilliant performances were instrumental in Bullets lifting the first Castel Challenge Cup trophy in a season the club won a historic quadruple.
Key Stats from Our First Two Campaigns
Across eleven matches, Bullets have recorded 10 wins and 1 loss, scoring 44 goals and conceding 5. The biggest victory remains the 22-1 demolition of Kumanda FC, while the only goalless match came against Mzuzu City Hammers.
These numbers highlight Bullets’ dominant knockout pedigree, showing why The People’s Team are always a strong contender in the competition.
Next Challenge: Songwe Border United
As we prepare for our Round of 32 trip to Karonga, Bullets are ready to continue their strong record in the competition. Songwe Border United, newly relegated from the TNM Super League, will provide a stern test, but history shows Bullets are more than capable of advancing.
With the TNM Super League campaign concluded — finishing as runners-up — and having already claimed the Airtel Top 8 trophy, The People’s Team will now focus on the Castel Challenge Cup, aiming to secure another piece of silverware and cap off a successful 2025 season in style. Interim Head Coach Gilbert Chirwa will be looking to win his first trophy in charge, adding extra motivation for the squad as they head North.
