FCB Nyasa Big Bullets return to Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday for the first time in a month as they host Dedza Dynamos in a TNM Super League tie—and head coach Peter Mponda has provided a fitness update on his squad ahead of the fixture.
The tactician confirmed that Chikumbutso Salima is available for selection, having returned fully fit from international duty. The wing attacker missed Malawi’s second 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Liberia earlier on Monday but is now back training and in contention to feature this weekend.
“Salima is back and training with us. He is fit and ready. He’s a very important player for the team, and I’m glad he’s available for selection,” Mponda said during his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
However, Yankho Singo remains unavailable as he continues to recover from illness. The midfielder featured in Malawi’s 1-1 draw with Namibia last week but was ruled out of the Liberia tie and has yet to return to full fitness.
“Yankho is still out due to illness,” Mponda confirmed.
Meanwhile, Chrispin Mapemba also remains on the sidelines, prompting the club to recruit Aaron Chilipa on loan as cover at left-back. Chilipa, who was signed during the mid-season window from Creck Sporting, is now eligible for selection after completing registration.
“That’s why we went into the market for a new left-back. Mapemba is still out and we’re not sure about his return date. Chilipa has impressed us in training, and while it might be too early to throw him in, he is in good shape and in contention,” said Mponda.
Chilipa joins fellow mid-season signings Bright Munthali and Khumbo Banda, who have both already featured for The People’s Team.
The gaffer also provided insight into the overall squad status ahead of Saturday’s tie, stating:
“Apart from Singo and Mapemba, the rest of the squad is fit, training well and fighting for places. I’m happy to say that 98 percent of the team is available.”
Bullets, who sit top of the league with 40 points, will be aiming to maintain their momentum after winning their last match 3-1 away to Songwe Border United before the break.
The Dedza test marks Bullets’ third game of the second round, and the first at Kamuzu Stadium since the 3-3 draw with Karonga United in early August.
