The People’s Team is back in TNM Super League action this Wednesday afternoon with an away encounter against Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos.
After a two-week hiatus for the Airtel Top 8 and international fixtures, Bullets are set to travel to Dedza Stadium, where they have been unable to secure maximum points on their last two visits.
On the road once more, Peter Mponda’s squad is determined to build on their strong run, having notched three consecutive league wins to claim the top spot as well as securing a place in the Airtel Top 8 semifinals.
CURRENT FORM
Bullets remain undefeated this season, with three league wins and a successful cup outing. Our league campaign started with an important 1-0 victory against defending champions Silver Strikers at Bingu National Stadium, followed by wins over Creck Sporting Club and Songwe Border United to maintain a perfect record.
In the Airtel Top 8, Bullets played to a goalless draw with Creck in the quarterfinal first leg at Kamuzu Stadium, then edged them 1-0 away at Nankhaka Stadium, securing a semifinal spot where we will face Karonga United next month.
Dedza Dynamos, meanwhile, have experienced a mixed start to their campaign. They began with an emphatic 4-1 away win over Creck at Champions Stadium, but then suffered a 1-0 home loss to Mzuzu City Hammers.
During their visit to Blantyre, Dedza fell 2-0 to Mighty Tigers but rebounded ahead of the break with a solid 2-0 victory against Chitipa United. Dedza is currently seventh on the table with six points—three behind Bullets, who still have a game in hand.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This match marks the seventh league meeting between the sides since Dynamos’ promotion to the top flight after their 2021 Chipiku Central Region Football League campaign.
Bullets have earned two victories in these contests—the first, a narrow 1-0 win at Balaka Stadium thanks to Babatunde Adepoju, and the second, a 2-1 triumph sealed by Adepoju and Hassan Kajoke in the 2022 season finale at Kamuzu Stadium.
Our 2023 clashes saw a 2-2 draw at Kamuzu Stadium, featuring goals from Kajoke and McFallen Mgwira, followed by a 1-0 defeat for Bullets at Dedza. Last season, both league fixtures ended in 1-1 draws, bringing the combined goal tally to 11 in all meetings.
TEAM NEWS
Henry Chiwaya is unavailable after sustaining a minor injury during our 3-0 friendly victory over Mchinji Villa last week. The left-back was also absent from our recent trip to Balaka Stadium, where Bullets secured a 5-0 win against Changalume Barracks in another friendly on Saturday.
Clyde Senaji has made a successful comeback from a hamstring injury, featuring in the recent friendlies against Mchinji and Changalume. His return provides Mponda with valuable options in defense as the team resumes competitive matches this week.
Despite featuring as late substitutes in Saturday’s friendly at Balaka Stadium, defenders Chikumbutso Henderson and Dominic Musonda are continuing their efforts to regain full match fitness before being considered for competitive action. Henderson is returning from injury, while the Zambian defender, was away in his home country processing work permit paperwork.
Peter Banda, who has spent several months recovering from shoulder surgery, continues his rehabilitation and remains unavailable, as does Chrispin Mapemba, who is still out with a knee issue.
KICK-OFF TIME AND HOW TO WATCH THE MATCH
The showdown with Dedza Dynamos kicks off at 14:30. Fans can watch the match live on Mpira TV, while real-time updates will be available on our official Facebook and X (Twitter) channels.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Kondwani Kamwendo will take charge as center referee for his first Bullets assignment of the season. He will be assisted by Yohane Chiutika and Samson Wasili on the lines.
Referee: Kondwani Kamwendo
Assistant Ref: Yohane Chiutika
Assistant Ref: Samson Wasili
Fourth Official: Peter Jossam
Match Assessor: Innocent Kaundula
