FCB Nyasa Big Bullets continue their FDH Bank Premiership campaign on Saturday afternoon when Creck Sporting Club visit Mpira Stadium.
The People’s Team head into the Matchweek 9 encounter looking to build on the encouraging progress made under Wedson Nyirenda after recording successive league victories while maintaining their unbeaten start to the league season.
Next up for Bullets is a Creck Sporting side looking to climb away from the bottom end of the table after a difficult start to the campaign. The visitors also arrive under new head coach Ernest Mtawali, who took charge two weeks ago following the departure of Eliah Kananji.
Ahead of Saturday’s encounter, we take a closer look at Creck Sporting Club’s recent history, current form, record against Bullets and the players who could influence proceedings at Mpira Stadium.
Recent History
Bullets come up against a Creck Sporting side that impressed in their debut FDH Bank Premiership campaign last season, finishing inside the top eight to qualify for the Airtel Top 8.
The Lilongwe-based outfit have, however, endured a challenging start to the 2026 campaign, prompting changes to the technical team.
Former Malawi international Ernest Mtawali was appointed head coach following the departure of Eliah Kananji. He is assisted by Gerald Phiri, while former Bullets winger Fischer Kondowe, who recently served as the club’s second assistant coach, joined Creck Sporting as fitness trainer.
Mtawali has already guided Creck Sporting to their first league victory of the season and will be hoping to build on that as his side continues adapting to his methods.
Current Form
Bullets face a Creck Sporting side currently sitting 14th in the FDH Bank Premiership standings with five points from eight matches.
The visitors have recorded one win, two draws and five defeats, scoring seven goals and conceding 14.
Creck Sporting opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw away to Red Lions before collecting another point in a goalless draw against Mafco FC.
Defeats to Mighty Wanderers, Kamuzu Barracks, Moyale Barracks and Blue Eagles followed before Mtawali oversaw an impressive 3-1 victory over Masters FC to secure the club’s first league win of the season.
They were unable to build on that result, however, slipping to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Civil Service United in their most recent outing.
Against Bullets
Saturday’s fixture will be the fifth league meeting between Bullets and Creck Sporting.
The People’s Team have won two of the previous four league encounters, with one match ending in a draw and Creck Sporting claiming victory in the other.
The first league meeting between the sides came during the 2024 season when Bullets fought back to earn a 1-1 draw after Patrick Mwaungulu’s second-half opener was cancelled out by Gift Kadawati.
The reverse fixture produced one of the most entertaining contests between the sides. Bullets raced into a two-goal lead through Maxwell Phodo and Babatunde Adepoju before Creck Sporting fought back to level the scores. Ernest Petro’s late strike eventually sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory for The People’s Team.
Bullets recorded their biggest win in the fixture with a commanding 4-1 triumph during the 2025 campaign. Wongani Lungu, Babatunde Adepoju, Yamikani Mologeni and Chikumbutso Salima were all on target as Maule claimed maximum points at Kamuzu Stadium.
The visitors won the most recent league meeting 2-0 at Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji.
Bullets also eliminated Creck Sporting in last season’s Airtel Top 8 quarterfinals after Maxwell Phodo’s second-leg strike secured a 1-0 aggregate victory following a goalless first leg.
Those previous meetings have produced goals, drama and memorable moments, adding another layer of intrigue to Saturday’s encounter.
Key Players
Frank Mupanzi
Bullets will need to keep a close eye on Frank Mupanzi, who remains one of Creck Sporting’s most influential midfielders.
Comfortable in possession and capable of driving Creck Sporting forward, Mupanzi also carries a goal threat while creating opportunities for those around him.
Laurent Banda
Another player Bullets will need to keep a close eye on is former Blue Eagles attacker Laurent Banda.
Banda has previously enjoyed success against The People’s Team and possesses the pace, direct running and attacking instinct to trouble opposing defences.
Akuzike Lifa
One of Creck Sporting’s brightest young prospects, Lifa has become an important figure in midfield.
His energy, composure in possession and ability to carry the ball forward make him one of the visitors’ key performers.
Emmance Nyirenda
Nyirenda previously had a spell with the Bullets Reserves and has since established himself as one of the league’s promising goalkeepers.
His reflexes, command of the penalty area and shot-stopping ability have helped keep Creck Sporting competitive despite their difficult start to the season.
Saturday’s encounter presents another opportunity for Bullets to continue the encouraging progress made in recent weeks as The People’s Team look to maintain their unbeaten start to the league campaign against a Creck Sporting side eager to turn their fortunes around.
