FCB Nyasa Big Bullets return to FDH Bank Premiership action on Sunday with a trip to Lilongwe to face Kamuzu Barracks at Civo Stadium.
The fixture marks the beginning of a new league chapter under head coach Wedson Nyirenda and presents The People’s Team with another important test as the campaign gathers momentum.
While Kamuzu Barracks have endured a difficult start to the campaign, the military side remain capable of producing difficult afternoons for any opponent, particularly when backed by their supporters in the Capital City.
Ahead of Sunday’s encounter, we take a closer look at their recent record, current form and the players who could influence proceedings at Civo Stadium.
Recent History
Meetings between Bullets and Kamuzu Barracks have produced several memorable encounters over the years, but recent history has tilted heavily in favour of The People’s Team.
The two sides have met 19 times across league and cup competitions since 2016, with Bullets winning 15 matches, drawing twice and losing only twice.
The 2025 season proved particularly successful for Maule, who completed a league double over Kamuzu Barracks and also eliminated them from the FDH Bank Cup en route to lifting the trophy.
The most recent meeting came at Civo Stadium in November 2025, where goals from Chikumbutso Salima and Babatunde Adepoju secured a 2-0 victory.
Bullets have also won each of the last six competitive meetings between the sides.
Current Form
Sunday’s opponents head into the fixture in 15th position on the FDH Bank Premiership table with four points from six matches.
The Capital City side have recorded one win, one draw and four defeats in their opening six fixtures, scoring five goals and conceding 10.
Their campaign began with back-to-back defeats against Silver Strikers and Mitundu Baptist before they collected their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw against Karonga United.
The military side then produced their standout result of the campaign, beating Creck Sporting Club 3-1 away from home courtesy of a Francis Mchema brace.
However, they have struggled to build momentum since then, suffering consecutive defeats against Ekhaya FC and Dedza Dynamos in their two most recent outings.
Kamuzu Barracks were beaten 4-1 at home by Ekhaya before falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Dedza Dynamos on 31 May.
Despite their difficult start, Kamuzu Barracks have shown glimpses of their potential and will be eager to use Sunday’s encounter as a platform to kickstart their campaign.
Against Bullets
While the current campaign has presented challenges, Kamuzu Barracks have historically been one of the more competitive sides in domestic football.
The club famously won its maiden Super League title in 2016 and continues to pride itself on organisation, discipline and physical intensity.
Yet their recent record against The People’s Team illustrates the scale of the challenge awaiting them this weekend.
Bullets have won 15 of the 19 meetings played between the sides since 2016, scoring 36 goals and keeping 11 clean sheets along the way.
Recent encounters have tilted even further in Bullets’ favour. The last meeting between the teams came at Civo Stadium in November 2025, when goals from Chikumbutso Salima and Babatunde Adepoju secured a 2-0 victory for Maule.
Sunday’s fixture will therefore see the sides renew acquaintances at the same venue where Bullets recorded their most recent victory in the fixture.
Earlier in the same season, Bullets recorded a commanding 4-0 win at Kamuzu Stadium before overcoming Kamuzu Barracks 2-1 in the FDH Bank Cup semifinal through goals from Ephraim Kondowe and Hassan Kajoke.
The dominance stretches back beyond 2025. During the 2024 campaign, The People’s Team claimed a 2-0 Airtel Top 8 victory and followed it up with a 1-0 league triumph, while the most recent success for Kamuzu Barracks in this fixture came back in 2019.
Taken together, those results have seen Bullets win each of the last five meetings between the sides, scoring 12 goals and conceding only twice.
Key Players
Hastings Banda
The goalkeeper remains one of Kamuzu Barracks’ most important players.
Banda has established himself as the club’s undisputed number one and has frequently produced crucial saves to keep his side competitive in difficult matches.
His shot-stopping ability and command of the penalty area make him a key figure for the Capital City side.
Mike Mtonyo
One of the most experienced players in the Kamuzu Barracks squad, Mtonyo remains a key figure within the military side’s defensive unit.
The veteran full-back combines physicality, leadership and a wealth of top-flight experience, qualities that have made him an important presence both on and off the pitch.
His defensive discipline and ability to organise those around him will be vital as Kamuzu Barracks prepare to face one of the league’s most demanding attacking tests.
With Bullets looking to rediscover their scoring touch, Mtonyo’s experience could play a crucial role in the soldiers’ efforts to keep The People’s Team at bay.
Sam Gunda
The midfielder has taken over the captain’s armband following changes within the squad and now serves as the team’s primary on-field leader.
Gunda’s responsibility extends beyond leadership, with the experienced midfielder also tasked with controlling tempo and providing balance in central areas.
Francis Mchema
Following the departure of leading striker Zeliat Nkhoma to Zambian side Kansanshi Dynamos, much of Kamuzu Barracks’ attacking responsibility now rests on Mchema.
The forward demonstrated his importance by scoring twice in the 3-1 victory over Creck Sporting Club and remains the side’s most dangerous attacking threat heading into Sunday’s contest.
Mchema also has fond memories of facing Bullets. The striker scored both goals when Kamuzu Barracks secured a 2-1 victory in a pre-season friendly played in Mponela ahead of the 2025 campaign.
His movement inside the penalty area and ability to convert chances make him a player Bullets will need to monitor closely.
Sunday’s showdown at Civo Stadium offers Kamuzu Barracks an opportunity to reignite their campaign, while Bullets will be looking to extend a run of results that has seen The People’s Team dominate this fixture in recent seasons.
