The officiating team for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ 2026/27 FDH Bank Premiership fixture against MAFCO FC at Joyce Chitsulo Stadium in Mwanza has been appointed.
Sunday’s match will be handled by Shaibu Kassim as The People’s Team begin their home campaign in Mwanza.
The officiating panel features officials with prior experience in Bullets fixtures, while all members will be taking charge of their first Bullets match of the current FDH Bank Premiership season, adding a fresh dynamic to Sunday’s encounter.
Shaibu Kassim, Referee
Kassim returns to officiate a Bullets match after overseeing two league fixtures during the 2025 campaign.
These included a mid-season encounter against Moyale Barracks and a December clash with Ekhaya FC, providing him with recent experience in Bullets fixtures.
Sunday’s assignment will be his first Bullets fixture of the current FDH Bank Premiership season, making him the second referee to take charge of the club this term following Easter Zimba, who handled the 2-2 opener against Civil Service United in Lilongwe last weekend.
Pondamali Tembo, Assistant Referee
Tembo returns as a familiar figure in Bullets fixtures, having handled multiple matches across league and cup competitions during the previous campaign.
These included assignments against Mighty Tigers, Dedza Dynamos and MAFCO FC, as well as Airtel Top 8 ties involving Creck Sporting Club and Silver Strikers.
He was also part of the officiating team for the 78th Blantyre derby, further underlining his experience in high-profile fixtures involving The People’s Team.
His continued involvement reflects consistent exposure to Bullets fixtures, with his role key in supporting decision-making on the line.
Clement Kamwendo, Assistant Referee
Kamwendo completes the assistant refereeing team and brings both experience and local context to Sunday’s fixture.
Based in Mwanza, he will officiate a match taking place in his home district, adding an additional layer of connection to the occasion.
He has previously handled Bullets fixtures, including two league matches during the 2025 campaign against Mighty Tigers and Karonga United in the opening round of the season.
His presence adds further experience to the officiating panel in managing key moments throughout the contest.
Eness Gumbo, Fourth Official
Gumbo will serve as the Fourth Official, bringing prior experience in Bullets matches.
She has handled fixtures in different capacities, including as a centre referee and as a fourth official, demonstrating versatility within the officiating team.
Gumbo is also among the few female referees in Malawi to hold a FIFA badge, underlining her standing within the officiating ranks.
She will also reunite with Kassim, with the two having been part of the officiating team during Bullets’ December fixture against Ekhaya as centre referee and fourth official, respectively.
Her role will focus on managing the technical areas and supporting communication among the match officials.
Paul Mhango, Match Assessor
Mhango has been appointed as the Match Assessor and will evaluate the performance of the officiating team.
He brings familiarity with Bullets fixtures, having handled three matches involving The People’s Team across all competitions during the previous campaign.
His assessment will focus on decision-making, positioning and overall match control.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Shaibu Kassim
Assistant Referees: Pondamali Tembo, Clement Kamwendo
Fourth Official: Eness Gumbo
Match Assessor: Paul Mhango
