Assistant coach Gilbert Chirwa addressed Bullets Media ahead of Sunday’s TNM Super League clash against Civil Service United at Kamuzu Stadium.
The match comes two weeks after the international break — a period that found FCB Nyasa Big Bullets looking to reset after a challenging run of three games without a win in all competitions.
Chirwa believes the break arrived at the right moment, giving the squad valuable time to recover, analyse recent performances and sharpen key areas before returning to league action. He also shared updates on player availability, reflected on Civil’s threat, and discussed how the team is preparing for the rainy-season conditions as the title race intensifies.
Below is Chirwa’s full pre-match interview:
On the importance of the break to the players
“We had a break where the national team had two friendly games against Lesotho in South Africa, and this time around, all the players are back with us. The players are showing good signs and good response. We know for sure that Sunday’s game against Civil Service United is a crucial one.
“Having lost our first-round tie to them, this time around we sat down, did a postmortem to sharpen our skills as we go forward searching for goals. We know we had games where we didn’t do well, like the one we played against Blue Eagles in Lilongwe before the break. We dominated, but we couldn’t find the net, and the same applied when we faced Wanderers — we dominated but couldn’t score. However, we believe this is our time to do well and play for a win.”
On Bullets’ form at Kamuzu Stadium
“When things don’t go well, you go back to the drawing board, sit down and do a postmortem to look at areas where you did well and where you didn’t. We told the boys, and we have done everything right. I believe they will give us a positive result against Civil on Sunday. We are looking for a win. We know Civil is also an equally good side. They are a force to reckon with, but this time around we are very ready for them.”
On playing three games without scoring a goal
“We sat down with the boys and discussed all the areas. We told them that when we get chances, we must turn them into goals. In Europe, big teams like Man City, Liverpool, Man United and others face such situations, but in the middle of all this, you remain together, united as a team, and you find ways of overcoming it. I believe it was the same with us, and this time around we will have a better game than the previous three.”
On the shape of the players returning from national duty
“They are okay. The past two days we trained with them, and they look fine. They are ready for selection. I think the coach has worked on them, and I believe they will give us a good game on Sunday.”
On Civil’s form against Bullets
“It’s not only Civil Service United. Every club comes harder against Bullets. Most teams in the Super League work extra hard against us because they know we are bigger than them. We always anticipate that, and that’s why we have discussed everything to make sure we are ready for every team.”
On the title race
“When games haven’t gone well, the best thing is to regroup, discuss and find solutions. We have looked at where we fell short, encouraged the players and told them what to do. We have done that, and I believe they will deliver on Sunday. We are giving confidence to the team, and we want to see them playing as they did earlier in the season.”
On adapting to the rainy season
“Every player is aware of this period. It’s not the first time they’ve experienced these weather conditions. We have played in this situation before. Whether the pitch is waterlogged or dry, we are ready — no excuses.”
Team News
“The team is in good shape. Everyone is available except Aaron Chilipa, who picked up an injury in training before the international break. He is the only player ruled out for Sunday.”
