FCB Nyasa Big Bullets goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu says the recent derby victory over Mighty Wanderers stands among his most memorable moments in Bullets colours after helping The People’s Team secure an important 2-1 win at Bingu National Stadium.
Nyasulu stood tall throughout a tense second half, producing a series of key saves as Maule protected their slender lead to secure all three points in the Blantyre derby.
The shot-stopper’s commanding display earned him the FDH Bank Premiership Player of the Match award following an outstanding performance between the sticks.
Speaking to Bullets Media while reflecting on the derby triumph, Nyasulu admitted winning a Blantyre derby carries a unique feeling.
“I have realised that winning a derby is something special,” he said. “I used to dream about these moments, and I was looking forward to registering my first derby victory since joining the club. It is a great feeling and I am looking forward to more days like these.”
Wanderers intensified pressure after Promise Kamwendo pulled one back from the penalty spot midway through the second half, but Nyasulu remained composed during the closing stages as Bullets defended resolutely.
Despite being named Player of the Match, the shot-stopper quickly shifted praise towards his teammates for their collective effort in such a demanding contest.
“It’s good that my performance was good today, but I would like to thank my teammates for covering me well,” said Nyasulu. “They worked hard and that pushed me to give everything throughout the game. It was a difficult match, but we knew we had to win.”
Nyasulu also believes the derby victory can strengthen belief within the squad as the 17-time league champions continue their positive start to the campaign.
“We haven’t been doing well against Wanderers, but today, we showed everyone that form is temporary and class is permanent,” he added.
As Wanderers pushed aggressively for an equaliser during the closing stages, Nyasulu admitted the pressure was intense but insisted staying calm became his biggest focus.
“The pressure was too much but I was under control,” he added. “I told myself to keep calm and to prevent them from scoring a goal. We knew they would come for their equalising goal, but we had everything under control. It’s part of us as players to handle such difficult moments.”
The derby marked Nyasulu’s 53rd appearance for The People’s Team since arriving at the club in 2024, with the goalkeeper registering 23 clean sheets during that period. He also enjoyed an impressive 2025 campaign, winning the Castel Challenge Cup Goalkeeper of the Tournament award after helping Bullets secure their second success in the competition.
The performance against Wanderers also reinforced Nyasulu’s growing importance within the squad as Maule continue navigating a demanding start to the campaign.
“Our supporters should expect something good from us,” he said. “Yes, it won’t be an easy season, but we are ready to deliver. This win has given us confidence, and we will try our level best to carry the confidence from this derby into the next games.”
Bullets now shift focus to their next FDH Bank Premiership assignment against Red Lions at Joyce Chitsulo Stadium in Mwanza.
