The countdown is on for the 78th Blantyre derby — a fixture that splits Blantyre into red and white, blue and white.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers will renew their iconic rivalry at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday afternoon, where not only three points but pride, passion, and bragging rights are on the line.
The People’s Team top the TNM Super League table with 49 points from 20 games, while Wanderers sit second on 45 points from 19 matches. A win for Bullets would stretch their lead to seven points, while a Wanderers victory would move them within touching distance in a title race that’s heating up fast.
FORM GUIDE
Peter Mponda’s charges are in exceptional form, having won eight consecutive matches across all competitions — scoring 23 goals and conceding only three.
In the league, The People’s Team have defeated Chitipa United, Songwe Border United, Dedza Dynamos, Silver Strikers and Mafco FC to cement their place at the summit, while also booking a place in the FDH Bank Cup semifinals with wins over Chilumba Barracks, The Boyz and Kamuzu Barracks.
Wanderers, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in the league. Following a 0-0 draw with Creck Sporting Club, they edged Dedza Dynamos 1-0, advanced to the FDH Bank Cup semifinals after a 3-2 penalty shootout win over Creck, and returned to league action on Wednesday with a 3-1 victory over Blue Eagles to close the gap at the top.
The Nomads also represented Malawi in the CAF Confederation Cup, defeating Jwaneng Galaxy 1-0 at home before exiting on penalties in Botswana after a 1-0 second-leg loss.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Since 2014, the two sides have met 29 times, with Bullets recording 11 wins, Wanderers six, and 12 draws. The People’s Team have netted 30 goals, conceding 28.
In the first round of this season, Wanderers claimed a 1-0 win courtesy of Blessings Mwalilino’s first-half goal, ending Bullets’ recent dominance in the rivalry.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bullets forward Babatunde Adepoju has been in terrific form this season, leading both the club and the league scoring charts with 12 goals and five assists in 19 matches. Alongside him, Chikumbutso Salima has been equally instrumental with nine goals and nine assists in 18 appearances, while Hassan Kajoke, fresh from his brace against Mafco, has six league goals in 14 games and growing confidence in front of goal.
Captain Frank Willard and midfielder Paul Master will be pivotal in the middle of the park, battling against Wanderers skipper Felix Zulu and playmaker Blessings Singini in what promises to be a gripping midfield duel.
At the back, Blessings Mpokera has been the solid rock for Bullets’ defence, playing a key role in ensuring goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu maintains eight clean sheets in 15 appearances.
For Wanderers, Mwalilino — who scored the winner in the first round derby — and Wisdom Mpinganjira, the side’s top assist provider with seven, will once again carry their side’s attacking threat.
COACH’S THOUGHTS
Head coach Peter Mponda says his side is confident and ready for the challenge.
“We’re meeting Wanderers at the right time. The team has matured and is performing consistently. Everyone is confident and ready for the challenge,” said Mponda.
He added: “They’re unbeaten, so it will be a tough game. But we’re in a good place, the boys are focused, and we believe we can deliver.”
TEAMS NEWS
Mponda confirmed that Yankho Singo remains unavailable after sustaining a muscle injury in the FDH Bank Cup quarterfinal victory over Kamuzu Barracks.
However, Chrispin Mapemba, who recently returned after nearly a year out, and Chikumbutso Salima, who featured as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Mafco, are both available for selection.
MATCH DETAILS
Fixture: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets vs Mighty Wanderers
Competition: TNM Super League
Date: Sunday, 26 October 2025
Venue: Kamuzu Stadium, Blantyre
Kick-off: 14:30
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Mayamiko Kanjere
Assistants: Pondamali Tembo, Evance Msonda
Fourth Official: Zebron Lengani
Match Commissioner: Moffat Champiti
Kanjere, one of Malawi’s most seasoned referees, last took charge of a Bullets fixture in November 2024 when The People’s Team defeated Silver Strikers 1-0 to lift the Airtel Top 8 Cup. He also handled the 1-1 Blantyre Derby in May 2024, where Tembo and Champiti were also part of the officiating team.
Tembo and Msonda have both been involved in several Bullets fixtures this season. Tembo, in particular, continues his consistent run of high-profile assignments in domestic football, showcasing his experience and reliability on the lines.
Lengani, another experienced official, was the centre referee in Bullets’ 3-0 victory over Mafco FC on Tuesday, where The People’s Team extended their winning run to eight matches across all competitions. He has also officiated multiple Bullets games this campaign, both as centre referee and fourth official.
Champiti, a retired referee and respected assessor, will oversee his second Blantyre derby of the season, having also assessed the first-round meeting between the two sides in May.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Can’t make it to Kamuzu Stadium? You can still feel the derby roar wherever you are.
The 78th Blantyre derby will be broadcast live on MBC TV, Mpira TV and FIFA+, bringing every tackle, chant and goal straight to your screen.
For live match updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive post-match reactions, follow FCB Nyasa Big Bullets across all our official digital platforms — Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok and YouTube — and visit nyasabigbullets.com for the full story, stats, and reactions after the final whistle.
