Eight players from the FCB Nyasa Big Bullets setup have been named in Malawi’s national team squad for Sunday’s international friendly against Botswana, which will form part of the country’s 61st Independence Day celebrations.
Flames head coach Kalisto Pasuwa has once again placed his trust in Bullets’ core, naming Richard Chimbamba, Blessings Mpokera, Lloyd Aaron, Chawanangwa Gumbo, Frank Willard, Wongani Lungu, Chikumbutso Salima, and Oscar Petro in his latest selection.
Centre-back Mpokera retains his spot after impressing at the 2025 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup and continues to shine in domestic football, where he’s been touted among the best defenders in the TNM Super League this season.
Captain Lloyd Aaron returns to the national setup after missing the COSAFA trip to South Africa, while Frank Willard is also back in the fold following a strong run of form in the league after recovering from an injury that previously sidelined him from national team duty.
Chimbamba, who was the only unused Bullets player during the COSAFA tournament, continues to earn national team call-ups—reflecting the technical panel’s confidence in his abilities. Meanwhile, Gumbo, Lungu, Salima, and Petro have all received back-to-back selections, a testament to their rising influence and consistent performances at both club and national level.
Petro, a standout from Bullets Reserves, continues to turn heads with his rapid development and is once again rewarded with a senior team call-up.
Malawi will take on the Botswana Zebras on Sunday, 6 July, at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, with the match forming part of the official Independence Day programme.
With eight players in the squad, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets remain the most represented club—once again highlighting the team’s influence, quality, and contribution to the national cause.
Full Flames Squad to Face Botswana
Goalkeepers: Joshua Waka (Blue Eagles), George Chikooka (Silver Strikers), Richard Chimbamba (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets)
Defenders: Mark Lameck, Maxwell Paipi, Nickson Mwase (Silver Strikers), Emmanuel Nyirenda, Timothy Silwimba (Mighty Wanderers), Blessings Mpokera (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Alick Lungu (Ekhaya)
Midfielders: Llyod Aaron, Chawanangwa Gumbo, Wongani Lungu, Frank Willard, Oscar Petro (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Charles Nkhoma (Moyale Barracks), Blessings Singini (Mighty Wanderers), Moses Banda (Civil Service United)
Forwards: Chikumbutso Salima (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Olson Kanjira (Kamuzu Barracks), Wisdom Mpinganjira, Gaddie Chirwa, Promise Kamwendo, Blessings Mwaulino (all Mighty Wanderers), Binwell Katinji (Silver Strikers).
