FCB Nyasa Big Bullets return to action this Sunday as we host MAFCO FC in our first home fixture of the 2026/27 FDH Bank Premiership.
The 14:30 kickoff at Joyce Chitsulo Stadium in Mwanza marks a historic milestone as top-tier football arrives in the district.
For The People’s Team, it is both a new home and an opportunity to connect with a new community along the Malawi-Mozambique border.
We head into the fixture focused on building momentum following our 2-2 draw away to Civil Service United, where we showed attacking promise with two goals but were twice pegged back, highlighting the need for improved control in key moments.
FORM GUIDE
Bullets come into the match on the back of a competitive draw in Lilongwe, where we scored twice through Clever Kalambo and George Chaomba.
The performance underlined our attacking sharpness, but also pointed to the need for improved control after conceding twice in key moments.
MAFCO FC head into the fixture after a 1-1 draw with Mitundu Baptist.
Mitundu had taken the lead in the 41st minute and looked set to hold on, but MAFCO struck in stoppage time to level matters, denying Bullets loanee Austin Chirambo his first clean sheet in the Premiership.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Bullets have held a strong advantage in this fixture over the past decade, recording 12 wins, 12 draws and just 2 losses against MAFCO in league competition.
Our most recent meetings underline that trend, with a 3-0 victory at Kamuzu Stadium in October 2025 following a 1-0 away win in Mponela earlier in the same season.
In 2024, we secured a 1-0 win and played out a 1-1 draw, while the 2023 campaign saw The People’s Team register a commanding 4-0 victory alongside a goalless stalemate.
One of the rare setbacks came in October 2022, when MAFCO claimed a 1-0 win at Dedza Stadium, ending our push for an invincible season.
THE NUMBERS THAT MATTER
Bullets scored twice in the league opener, with Clever Kalambo and George Chaomba both on target to underline the impact of the new arrivals.
However, conceding twice in Lilongwe highlights the need for improved defensive control as we look to turn performance into results.
MAFCO, meanwhile, showed resilience in their opening match, scoring in stoppage time to earn a point.
TEAM NEWS
Chirwa will be without Frank Willard, Ahamad Kung’unde and Chrispin Mapemba, who remain sidelined through injury.
Misheck Billiat is also ruled out after picking up an injury in last weekend’s draw against Civil Service United.
There is, however, a boost for The People’s Team, with Mike Mkwate and goalkeeper McLean Mwale both returning to the squad and available for selection.
The rest of the squad is fit and available as Bullets continue preparations for Sunday’s fixture.
TACTICAL FOCUS
Control will be central to our approach, particularly in a new home setting where we aim to dictate tempo and impose ourselves early.
Width and transitions could prove key in breaking down MAFCO’s structure, while improved defensive balance will be required to manage key moments more effectively.
Adaptability to the Mwanza surface could also influence the rhythm of the game.
COACH’S THOUGHTS
Head coach Gilbert Chirwa expects a competitive contest against MAFCO and has called for full concentration from his side.
“It will definitely be tough. Every match in the league is competitive, and MAFCO is a strong team that we cannot underestimate. We have emphasized to the players the importance of staying focused for the entire match,” he said.
Chirwa added that the response in training has been positive, with the focus now on improving efficiency in front of goal.
“There is always pressure going into every match. However, we were encouraged by the team’s performance in the last game, especially our ability to create chances. Our main task now is to boost the players’ confidence so they can convert those chances into goals.”
KEY BATTLE
The midfield contest is likely to shape the game, with control of second balls and transitions critical to establishing dominance.
Winning those duels will be key to sustaining pressure and dictating the tempo.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Beyond the three points, this fixture presents an opportunity to build early momentum in the title race.
It also offers a chance to mark the occasion in Mwanza with a performance that sets the tone for our home campaign.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Sunday’s fixture will be officiated by Shaibu Kassim, who takes charge of his first Bullets fixture of the current FDH Bank Premiership season.
He will be assisted by Pondamali Tembo and Clement Kamwendo, while Eness Gumbo serves as the Fourth Official.
Paul Mhango has been appointed as the Match Assessor.
MATCH DETAILS
Competition: FDH Bank Premiership
Fixture: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets vs MAFCO FC
Venue: Joyce Chitsulo Stadium, Mwanza
Date: Sunday
Kick-off: 14:30
TICKETING
Tickets for Sunday’s fixture will be available at Joyce Chitsulo Stadium on matchday, with no pre-sales in place.
Gates will open at 10:00 ahead of the 14:30 kick-off, with supporters encouraged to arrive early to secure entry.
Tickets are priced at MK7,000 for the Open Stand and MK15,000 for the VIP Stand.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Supporters can follow the match across our official digital platforms for live updates, highlights and post-match coverage.
MATCHDAY 4 FIXTURES
The FDH Bank Premiership action continues this Sunday, with fixtures taking place across the country, all kicking off at 14:30.
In the South, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets take on MAFCO FC at Joyce Chitsulo Stadium in Mwanza.
In the Central Region, Creck SC face Mighty Wanderers at Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji, while Goshen City Dedza Dynamos host Civil Service United at Dedza Stadium.
In the North, Karonga United face Masters FC at Karonga Stadium.
