FCB Nyasa Big Bullets travel to Karonga on Sunday for a Castel Challenge Cup Round of 32 clash against Songwe Border United at Karonga Stadium.
Ahead of the knockout tie, Interim Head Coach Gilbert Chirwa addressed the media, speaking on the importance of starting the New Year on a positive note, the demands of cup football, preparations for the long trip north, and how the team will adapt in the absence of 2025 top scorer Babatunde Adepoju, among other key issues.
Below is Chirwa’s full interview:
On the importance of starting 2026 with a positive result
It is essential to start with a win. Being in a new year, we want to go there and put up a gallant fight to win the game. We have emphasised to the boys that this is an important match, and we need to be serious and win the game at all costs.
On refocusing after finishing second in the league
We know that cup games are always difficult. We have spoken to the players about the importance of this match — scoring early, managing the game well, and maintaining focus. In knockout football, you don’t undermine your opponent. We must be serious from the first minute.
On the key difference between league and knockout football
It won’t be an easy outing for us. We have emphasised to the players to remain focused and avoid complacency. If we create chances, we must take them. Songwe are a stubborn team at home, but we are ready to fight and play with our hearts to win the game.
On facing Songwe Border United in a knockout competition for the first time
We beat Songwe twice in the league, but this is a different game altogether. We are also playing away from home. We have told the players not to switch off and to stay fully concentrated because cup games are unpredictable.
On the importance of winning the Castel Challenge Cup
It is very important for us as a club to win this competition. We are a big team and we must fight hard to progress. The boys are showing good signs in training, and I believe they are ready both mentally and physically to go to Karonga and compete.
On his personal motivation as Interim Head Coach
I am very motivated. We are correcting mistakes where we see them, from finishing to defending. The players understand the task ahead, and they will do the job for the team and for me as an interim coach.
On travelling to Karonga and adapting to playing conditions
Travelling to Karonga always comes with its challenges, but for a team like Bullets it is nothing new. We have made that journey many times before. The boys are prepared for the long trip and understand what is required of them, both physically and mentally. We are ready to adapt to the conditions and focus on our job on the pitch.
On what he expects from the players on match day
The players must prepare well, play well, and score goals. They have to play to win.
On adapting without Babatunde Adepoju
First of all, I should commend Babatunde. He is a good player and has contributed a lot to the team. Of course, we will miss him, but we have played games without him before. We have other strikers who can step up. The best way to remember his contribution is by winning the game in Karonga.
On squad updates ahead of the trip North
Chrispin Mapemba, Blessings Mpokera, Andrew Jovinala, and Lameck Gamphani are out of this match. Mpokera has started jogging, but he is not ready to travel to Karonga for this game.
