FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Peter Mponda praised his side’s character and fighting spirit after coming from behind to beat Silver Strikers 2–1 in the TNM Super League at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The People’s Team conceded in the 67th minute but mounted a strong comeback through second-half substitutes Ephraim Kondowe and Hassan Kajoke, sealing a memorable win over the defending champions and completing a league double this season.
Pleased With the Response
Reflecting on the result, Mponda said he was proud of his players for their mental strength and response after conceding.
“I am very happy with both the result and the performance of the team. I am very happy with the way the players responded after falling behind. In terms of tactics, I was at Silver Strikers last season and they know how I think, but at the end of the day, the hard work from the boys has paid off as we have collected points,” he said.
Salima’s Determination Praised
The Bullets head coach also hailed Chikumbutso Salima for his determination and persistence despite being targeted by the visitors throughout the afternoon.
“They planned for him, but they were failing to match him. He was a thorn in their faces, and I didn’t see any reason to substitute him. He was taken off due to an injury he sustained in the build-up to the penalty.
“He was very brilliant today, and I am pleased with how he kept on pushing for the team despite being targeted by the visitors,” Mponda explained.
Salima won the penalty that led to Kajoke’s winning goal before being substituted due to the knock.
On the Title Race
Despite opening a four-point lead over Mighty Wanderers and a ten-point gap over Silver Strikers, Mponda remains modest about his team’s title chances.
“Silver Strikers and Mighty Wanderers are still the favourites for the title, and we’re just leading the race for now. They invested a lot in their squads while we lost some key players and didn’t do much on the market, so they are still the favourites for the championship,” he said.
At the Summit
Sunday’s victory keeps The People’s Team on top of the TNM Super League with 46 points from 19 games — four ahead of Wanderers, who have 42 from 18.
The win also marked Bullets’ third victory over Silver Strikers this season, including the Airtel Top 8 Final triumph in July.
Bullets will now take a two-week break due to the international break before returning to action in the FDH Bank Cup quarterfinal against Kamuzu Barracks on Saturday, 18 October, at Kamuzu Stadium.
