FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will take on Mzuzu City Hammers in the Castel Challenge Cup semifinal this Sunday at Kamuzu Stadium. With a place in the final at stake, the team is focused and ready to make their mark.
Interim head coach Gilbert Chirwa met the media to discuss the team’s preparations, injury updates, expectations for his players, and thoughts on the opponents. He also touched on the coaching role, player recruitment, and the form of Maxwell Phodo in the competition.
Below is Chirwa’s full interview ahead of the semifinal.
On how preparations are going for Sunday’s clash
“So far so good. The preparations are going on very well. The only injured player we have is Aaron Chilipa, who has not fully recovered yet, but the rest of the guys are okay and looking sharp. We know for sure that a semifinal match against Mzuzu City Hammers will be a tough one, but we are ready for the show. The boys are very much ready, and we have advised them not to underrate Hammers because this is a cup game and it’s always difficult.”
On facing Hammers instead of Wanderers
“There is nothing like being complacent. We were actually expecting a team that was going to win between Hammers and Wanderers. It’s a team that qualified to this stage from the quarterfinals, and that’s what we were waiting for. This time around, we are preparing for the team that won in the quarterfinals and, for sure, we are ready for them.”
On pressure against “the giant killers”
“Well, I think what you are talking about is a totally different game. This is another game. They are coming to play us at Kamuzu Stadium, and they are a good team, but we are ready for them. I don’t think there is pressure just because we are facing ‘giant killers’. We have beaten them in a league match, 4–0, and it’s the same team — they even received two red cards [against Wanderers]. I am sure come this Sunday, we will have a good game against them.”
On whether winning the trophy could influence the permanent head coach role
“As a coach, yes, my intention is to play to our best and convince everyone that we can win. In a cup game, you don’t need to wait for 90 minutes because if it goes to penalties, it’s anybody’s game. I have told the boys to be serious so that we finish the job in regulation time.”
On what cup success will mean to the club
“Well, it will mean a lot. That’s the aim of any club — to win trophies. The management will be very happy, including everyone who loves the team.”
On pressure from the vacant head coach role
“I think I answered this question last week. This is the way it is. It is a process — companies or government entities operate this way. They advertise the job and whoever is interested has to apply, and this is what’s happening here. People expressed interest, and I also did the same. There’s nothing like the other applicants coming in my way. We are concentrating, everything is going very well, and the boys are doing well. What I expect from them is to perform to their level best and carry the day.”
On converting chances into goals
“Of course, we have been creating lots of goal-scoring opportunities. Against the Tigers, we had more chances and were on top of the game. We kept emphasizing to the boys that it is very important to score from every chance they create. I believe this coming Sunday, the boys will capitalize on every opportunity.”
On Maxwell Phodo’s form
“Maxwell Phodo came into the limelight when I was coaching Mzuzu University in 2018. I went to Dedza to pick him to strengthen the team. From there, he went on to play for Silver Strikers. There is a strong connection between Phodo and me. He is a very good player. I have just encouraged him to be himself, and that’s what is happening. He is already a complete player. He can dribble, shoot, hold the ball very well. He can play as a winger or a centre forward. In training, we focus on shooting and finishing, which helps him continue to improve.”
On involvement in player recruitment
“For sure, yes. I am part of the team identifying and recruiting players. The areas where we need to beef up or strengthen the team are goalkeeping, defence, and strikers. These are the departments we are focusing on.”
On the recent Mclean Mwale transfer agreement
“It’s not just about getting players available. We analyse performance in every department before making decisions.”
