Easter Zimba will take charge as centre referee when FCB Nyasa Big Bullets host Mzuzu City Hammers in Sunday’s Castel Challenge Cup semifinal at Kamuzu Stadium.
With a place in the final on the line, both teams are expected to deliver a fiercely contested encounter. Supporters can look forward to an exciting semifinal as both sides chase silverware, making the role of the match officials particularly important.
Referee: Easter Zimba
Zimba returns to officiate a Bullets match after overseeing the 0–0 draw away to Blue Eagles on November 6 at Nankhaka Stadium in the TNM Super League. He brings vast experience, having handled numerous high-profile domestic matches.
In the just-ended league campaign, Zimba took charge of 16 games, including six involving Bullets. In knockout football, he also officiated our Airtel Top 8 semifinal 2-1 victory over Karonga United in June.
Assistant Referee 1: Clemence Kanduku
Kanduku is a familiar figure in Bullets fixtures, with experience in major domestic finals. He officiated the 2023 FDH Bank Cup Final, where Bullets defeated Mafco FC 3-0, as well as the Castel Challenge Cup Final, which Bullets won on penalties against Silver Strikers.
After sitting out the 2024 season, Kanduku returned to action last year, officiating the 1-0 league win over Silver Strikers and the 2-1 Airtel Top 8 semifinal victory against Karonga United. Sunday’s encounter will be his fourth Bullets match of the 2025/26 season.
Assistant Referee 2: Samuel Fudzulani
Fudzulani will serve as the second assistant referee. He has already been involved in three Bullets matches this season, running the line during the 1-0 Airtel Top 8 quarterfinal second-leg win over Creck Sporting Club in Lilongwe in April, the 2-0 league victory away to Mzuzu City Hammers in Rumphi in July, and the 1-0 FDH Bank Cup semifinal loss to Mighty Wanderers in the Blantyre derby in November. Sunday’s semifinal will be his fourth assignment involving The People’s Team.
Fourth Official: Rose Zimba
Rose Zimba will act as the fourth official. The Northern Region-based referee last took charge of a Bullets match as centre referee during the 5-0 FDH Bank Cup Round of 32 victory away to Chilumba Barracks in Chitipa in August. She has also handled several high-profile matches as fourth official, including our Airtel Top 8 Final 4-3 penalty shootout win over Silver Strikers at Bingu National Stadium on 20 July.
Match Assessor: Hastings Ntutha
Hastings Ntutha will serve as match assessor for his fifth Bullets fixture of the season. He has previously evaluated the 7-0 win over Songwe Border United in April, the 2-0 victory against Mighty Tigers in June, the 2-1 triumph over Silver Strikers in October, and the 2-0 win over Ekhaya FC in December.
Match Details:
Fixture: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets vs Mzuzu City Hammers
Venue: Kamuzu Stadium
Date: Sunday, 8 February 2026
Kick-off: 14:30
Maule, arrive early to back The People’s Team. Tickets will be available at Kamuzu Stadium on matchday. Live updates and behind-the-scenes content will be shared across the club’s official platforms.
