FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Peter Mponda has provided an update on the squad’s readiness ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated TNM Super League Blantyre derby against Mighty Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium, with a mix of encouraging returns and one key absentee.
Mponda confirmed that Yankho Singo remains unavailable after sustaining a muscle injury in the FDH Bank Cup quarterfinal 2-1 victory over Kamuzu Barracks last weekend, but there was positive news as Chikumbutso Salima and Chrispin Mapemba both returned to full fitness and are available for selection.
Salima, who picked up an injury during our 2-1 victory over defending champions Silver Strikers a fortnight ago, missed the Kamuzu Barracks cup tie and started from the bench in Tuesday’s 3-0 league win over Mafco. His pace and attacking flair will be a welcome addition as The People’s Team prepare for one of the most intense fixtures on the domestic football calendar.
Mapemba, the left-footed wingback, made his long-awaited return to the matchday squad on Tuesday for the first time in almost a year. He had been sidelined since November 2024, after suffering an injury in our 1-0 Airtel Top 8 final triumph over Silver Strikers. His recovery provides Bullets with added depth and experience down the left flank ahead of the derby.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Mponda emphasized that team selection is based on training performance rather than rotation.
“It’s not really about rotating players, but about what we see in training. Those giving us what we need are the ones selected to play,” said Mponda when asked about Salima’s unavailability during the midweek fixture against Kamuzu Barracks.
“For Chikumbutso, it was about his injury — we wanted him to fully recover, and he is ready for Wanderers,” he explained.
“Chrispin Mapemba is also knocking. He has been training well and is ready for Wanderers,” the head coach added. “But it’s only Yankho Singo who will not be available.”
With confidence high following Tuesday’s emphatic victory and training sessions showing sharp intensity, The People’s Team head into the derby determined to maintain their top spot in the TNM Super League and extend their unbeaten run in all competitions
