FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Peter Mponda sat down with the media on Thursday to preview Sunday’s TNM Super League fixture against Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium—the final match of the first round.
The gaffer reflected on the team’s journey so far, back-to-back wins away from home, squad depth, individual performances, and expectations heading into the weekend. Mponda also continued to address early substitutions, potential new signings, and the possibility of Khumbo Banda featuring.
Here’s everything the boss had to say ahead of matchday:
Coach, how do you reflect on our first-round journey so far?
“We feel good with where we are, looking at the team. The performance has been up and down—we’ve lacked consistency—but still, we’re in a good position.
We’re looking forward to finishing the first round on a high, especially playing at Kamuzu. We really need all three points at all costs.”
Back-to-back away wins—how big were they for the team’s confidence?
“The performance wasn’t great, but collecting six points away from home was a big motivation.
After dropping points against Blue Eagles, we needed to recover and catch up with Wanderers. It was a very good outing, and I’m happy with how things turned out.”
What’s your assessment of Karonga United heading into Sunday’s match?
“A very good team—with everything in it. They’ve got pacey players, those who can keep the ball, defend, and a coach who loves passing football.
They always give us problems no matter where we play them. We know their threats and are fully prepared. These three points at Kamuzu will be crucial for our season.”
How pleased are you with the depth and hunger across the squad?
“If we’re talking about depth, we’re lacking. The fighting spirit is there, but as we approach the transfer window, we need to strengthen in key areas.
The players who’ve featured have done a good job, and I’m grateful. We’re just a point behind Wanderers, and looking at where we’re coming from, I’m very happy.”
Nyasulu has impressed in goal—how key has he been during this stretch?
“He’s been very good—but he’s not the only one. Blessings Mpokera has been outstanding defensively, Paul Master is new but in top form, and Chikumbutso Salima is contributing both defensively and offensively.
Yes, Innocent has been brilliant, but many players have stepped up.”
Talking about your early substitutions, is it about mentality when players don’t deliver early in games?
“We spend a lot of time with these players—we know what they’re capable of. If they’re not delivering, we make changes.
It’s better to use a sub early than to waste a full game. The players on the bench deserve their chance, too. Every minute counts.”
What’s the overall squad update ahead of this weekend’s fixture?
“Almost everyone is available apart from Mapemba, who’s still a long way from returning. Otherwise, I’m happy with how the team is training.”
How much of a boost has the supporters’ energy given the boys?
“They’ve been brilliant. Even when we didn’t play well or get the results, they kept supporting us.
Against Wanderers, Civil, and Blue Eagles—regardless of the outcome—they were there cheering. The players want to give them something to smile about.”
A point below Wanderers in the table and playing at home—does this give you an advantage to finish top in the first round?
“Playing at home doesn’t guarantee an advantage. We lost to Blue Eagles right here at Kamuzu and away to Civil, so we know that any team can get a result anywhere.
Wanderers have been solid—they haven’t lost in 14 league games and deserve credit for that. We’re fortunate to still be within reach, but our focus remains on ourselves. We just want to wrap up the first round with a win and start preparing for the second half of the season.”
Can fans expect Khumbo Banda’s debut on Sunday if he’s cleared?
“It might be too early to feature him, but we still have two sessions to assess him. We know what he’s capable of and what he can bring.
There’s a chance we could give him minutes or more time to adapt, depending on how he progresses.”
Your message to the Bullets family before we return to Kamuzu?
“We are focused and ready. These final three points of the first round are important, and we want to give our fans a strong performance. Their support has been incredible, and we’ll fight to make them proud on Sunday.”
🗓 Matchday 15: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets vs Karonga United
📍 Kamuzu Stadium
⏰ Sunday, 14:30 CAT
Stay tuned for matchday updates and be there in red and white to cheer The People’s Team!
