FCB Nyasa Big Bullets forward Maxwell Phodo has been named the Player of the Tournament in the 2025/26 Castel Challenge Cup following a standout campaign that also saw him finish as the competition’s top scorer with seven goals.
Phodo received the award during the FAM Awards ceremony held on Friday evening at Comesa Hall in Blantyre, where he was also officially presented with the Golden Boot for emerging as the tournament’s leading scorer.
The forward played a pivotal role in Bullets’ triumphant cup run, scoring seven goals in five matches as The People’s Team went on to reclaim the Castel Challenge Cup.
His goals accounted for more than half of the 12 scored by Bullets during the tournament, underlining his importance in the club’s journey to lifting the trophy.
Phodo’s scoring run included goals against Songwe Border United, Ndirande Stars and Mighty Tigers, with the forward finding the net in three consecutive matches in the Round of 32, Round of 16 and quarterfinals of the competition.
Bullets reclaimed the Castel Challenge Cup after first winning the inaugural edition in 2023 before surrendering it in 2024 when they were eliminated in the semifinals by Mzuzu City Hammers — a side Gilbert Chirwa’s men overcame at the same stage this season.
Phodo’s clinical finishing and consistent attacking threat made him the standout performer of the tournament as Bullets progressed through the knockout rounds on our way to lifting the trophy.
The individual recognition caps a memorable campaign for the forward, whose performances proved decisive in delivering another piece of silverware for The People’s Team.
