Peter Banda says completing back-to-back full matches for the first time since his shoulder surgery in January is a major step forward as he continues his comeback with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
Now 25, Banda’s career has already taken him to Moldova with FC Tiraspol and Tanzania with Simba SC before he rejoined his boyhood club in 2023. But his homecoming was overshadowed by a shoulder injury suffered on national duty, cutting short his impact and forcing Bullets to send him to Kenya for surgery in January this year.
The midfielder returned to the pitch after his recovery in June when Bullets beat Karonga United 2-1 in the Airtel Top 8 semifinals, though he was substituted in the 35th minute due to an eye injury after proving an assist for Chikumbutso Salima’s opener at the Bingu National Stadium.
Since then, he has gradually built up his minutes, and last week he played the entire FDH Bank Cup Round of 16 tie against The Boys before completing another 90 minutes in Saturday’s 3-0 TNM Super League victory over Dedza Dynamos at Kamuzu Stadium.
Recovery Milestone
Club media had a chat with Banda, who could not hide his delight at finally putting together back-to-back full games after a difficult period on the sidelines.
“First of all, I want to thank God for guiding me through the recovery process until this moment where I can now play again. I also want to thank the coaches and my teammates for always being with me throughout this journey,” he said.
The midfielder has now featured in 11 of the 24 matches Bullets have played across all competitions this season.
Motivation and Support
Asked what kept him motivated, Banda credited the people around him.
“The biggest motivators have been my agent, my family, my teammates, and the coach. They’ve pushed me so much and kept reminding me that I could get here again.”
He also praised the wider Bullets family.
“It has been incredible. At some point, it looked like my career might be over and many people doubted if I’d ever play football again because of the type of injury I had. But the people I’ve mentioned, including Bullets management, never lost faith in me. They supported me all through the surgery and recovery, and now I’m back on the pitch. I’m truly grateful for that.”
Getting Back to His Best
Banda believes he is not far from his top level.
“I don’t think there’s a long way to go. The first thing I wanted was to regain my fitness and bring back the confidence that people know Peter Banda for. Right now I’m working hard in training, pushing myself to get all of that fully back.”
He added that his focus remains on the collective.
“I can’t say I have a personal target this season because I’m coming from a long injury. It hasn’t been long since I returned, so my focus is simply on helping the team fight for the remaining cups and the league.”
Positions and Team Play
Since his return, Banda has been deployed both on the wing and in an advanced midfield role, and he insists he is comfortable in either.
“I wouldn’t say I have a favourite between the two. Every player can be used where the coach sees fit. For me, whether it’s as a 10 or on the wing, I’m comfortable in either role.”
He also pointed to unity as the secret behind Bullets’ attacking power this season.
“The key is the love and unity among us as players. Where there’s love, everything is possible. We always look out for each other — if someone is in a better position to score, we pass the ball. That teamwork is the secret.”
Off the Pitch
Banda, who is known to share a close bond with winger Chikumbutso Salima, revealed their friendship extends beyond football.
“I wouldn’t say I have one specific best friend, but I’d say it’s true with Salima. We spend a lot of time together, both at work and outside. There’s a real bond between us, and even when I was injured, he kept encouraging me. He still pushes me today to get back to the old Peter Banda.”
Future Ambitions
Looking ahead, Banda admits he still harbours dreams of another move abroad, though he insists the future is in God’s hands.
“It’s every player’s dream to play abroad, and I still have that ambition. But most importantly, I leave it in God’s hands to decide what comes next.”
