The People’s Team kick off their 2025 FDH Bank Cup campaign with a trip to the far North, where we face Chilumba Barracks in a Round of 32 tie at Chitipa Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Fresh from wrapping up the first round of the TNM Super League, Peter Mponda’s men are shifting focus to knockout action, looking to begin another cup journey with confidence.
FORM GUIDE
Bullets head into the clash on the back of strong league form, collecting seven points from the last three matches—beating Mzuzu City Hammers 2-0, edging Mafco FC 1-0 in Mponela, before playing out a dramatic 3-3 draw against Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium.
From league action, the attention now turns to cup football, with The People’s Team switching focus to another knockout competition just a month after lifting the Airtel Top 8. That triumph came via a penalty shootout victory over Silver Strikers in Lilongwe, underlining our hunger and pedigree in knockout formats.
As for our opponents, Chilumba Barracks earned their place in this round with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Bangwe All Stars—last season’s TNM Super League side who were relegated at the end of the 2024 campaign.
This clash against the record Malawian champions represents one of the biggest occasions in their history and they will be determined to make their presence felt.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This will be the very first competitive meeting between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Chilumba Barracks, making Sunday’s tie a historic one.
COACH’S THOUGHTS
Head coach Peter Mponda has cautioned against underestimating the opposition, stressing the importance of balancing respect with ambition:
“Chilumba Barracks deserve respect—they’ve earned their spot in this competition. At the same time, we know what’s at stake. For us, this is about bouncing back, showing character, and starting our cup journey strong.”
TEAM NEWS
Mponda confirmed that new signings Khumbo Banda and Bright Munthali are in the squad and available for selection.
“In terms of fitness they are okay, but we are still trying to see how well they coordinate with the rest of the team. It’s an important game where we want to compete to win,” the coach said.
Defenders Blessings Mpokera and Andrew Jovinala both trained separately from the main group in Chitipa on Friday and Saturday as they continue their recovery from knocks picked in recent league games. Their participation remains 50-50, with the technical team keen not to risk aggravating the injuries.
Meanwhile, Chrispin Mapemba remains sidelined with a long-term injury.
MATCH DETAILS
Fixture: Chilumba Barracks vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Competition: FDH Bank Cup Round of 32
Date: Sunday, 17 August 2025
Venue: Chitipa Stadium
Kick-off: 14:30 CAT
MATCH OFFICIALS
The Round of 32 showdown at Chitipa Stadium will be under the watch of an experienced and partly new-look officiating team.
Rose Zimba has been entrusted with the whistle and brings the most familiarity to The People’s Team, having overseen Bullets matches in the past. She will be supported by assistants Steve Nyirenda and Shryness Silumbu, both stepping up for their first assignment involving Malawi’s most decorated club.
Joshua Msiska takes charge as the fourth official, while Leonard Sakhale has been appointed as the Match Commissioner to oversee proceedings.
Referee: Rose Zimba
Assistants: Steve Nyirenda & Shryness Silumbu
Fourth Official: Joshua Msiska
Match Commissioner: Leonard Sakhale
HOW TO FOLLOW
For Maule across the country and beyond, every step of our FDH Bank Cup journey will be covered through Bullets’ official digital platforms. Stay tuned to our Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram for live match updates direct from Chitipa Stadium.
Once the final whistle blows, a detailed match report will be published on nyasabigbullets.com, while full match highlights will be available on our YouTube channel, bringing you all the key moments from the North.
It’s knockout football, Maule, and every voice counts! Let’s paint Chitipa red and white as we march together in pursuit of FDH Bank Cup glory.
