TNM Super League – Thursday, 31 July 2025 | Rumphi Stadium | Kick-off: 14:30 CAT
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets return to Northern Region action for the first time this season with a TNM Super League showdown against Mzuzu City Hammers at Rumphi Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Still smarting from Sunday’s narrow 1-0 home defeat to Blue Eagles, The People’s Team are eyeing a swift response to stay within touching distance of log leaders Mighty Wanderers, who are six points ahead having played one more game.
FORM GUIDE
Sunday’s loss to Eagles marked the first time this campaign that Bullets have suffered back-to-back league defeats, having gone down 2-1 to Civil Service United in the previous round. Despite this, Mponda’s charges remain buoyed by their recent Airtel Top 8 triumph, having edged Silver Strikers on penalties to lift the cup for the third straight time at Bingu National Stadium last weekend.
Heading into Matchweek 14, The People’s Team sit second in the standings with 27 points from 13 games, six behind Wanderers, who have played a game more. A positive result against Hammers is crucial as we look to maintain our title challenge with the first round of fixtures nearing completion.
Our opponents, Mzuzu City Hammers, currently lie 15th on the table with 8 points from 12 games. They come into this fixture on the back of three consecutive 1-0 defeats to Wanderers, Creck Sporting Club, and Mighty Tigers. With only nine goals scored and 21 conceded, they are the second-most conceding team in the league this term, behind Songwe Border United.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Historically, Bullets have dominated this fixture. In the nine TNM Super League meetings between the two teams, Maule have won seven and drawn two.
However, both of our most recent trips to the North have ended in stalemates. We drew 1-1 at Rumphi Stadium in the second round last season and played out a goalless draw at Mzuzu Stadium the previous year.
It’s also worth noting that Hammers eliminated us from the 2023 Castel Challenge Cup semi-finals on penalties after holding us to a 0-0 draw at Kamuzu Stadium.
COACH’S THOUGHTS
Head coach Peter Mponda has called for a response from his players ahead of the trip, urging the squad to bounce back after Sunday’s setback.
“Yes, we are here in the North—a very difficult place to play football, a very difficult place to get results—but we believe that we have prepared well and we will get the three points.” — Peter Mponda, Head Coach.
TEAM NEWS
Mponda has no fresh injury concerns and has named a full 23-man squad for the trip, which will also see Bullets stop over in Mponela for a weekend clash against Mafco FC before wrapping up the first round with a home tie against Karonga United.
New signing Khumbo Banda will not be available for selection until the transfer window opens on 8 August.
Defender Chikumbutso Henderson could face his former club for the first time since joining Bullets, while several young and fringe players will be hoping to contribute during the road trip.
MATCH DETAILS
Fixture: Mzuzu City Hammers vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
Date: Thursday, 31 July 2025
Venue: Rumphi Stadium
Kick-off: 14:30 CAT
TICKET INFORMATION
Open Stand: MK5,000
VIP Stand: MK8,000
MATCH OFFICIALS
The Super League of Malawi has appointed referee Waliko Simfukwe to officiate our away fixture against Mzuzu City Hammers at the mountain-surrounded and often windy Rumphi Stadium. He will be assisted by Samuel Fudzulani and Stammy Msukwa, with Mercy Kayira as the fourth official and Kalyoto Ngosi serving as match assessor.
Referee: Waliko Simfukwe
Assistants: Samuel Fudzulani & Stammy Msukwa
Fourth Official: Mercy Kayira
Match Assessor: Kalyoto Ngosi
HOW TO FOLLOW
Please note that this game will not be broadcast live on TV. However, real-time updates will be provided on our official Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram platforms.
Post-match highlights will be uploaded on our YouTube channel, and a detailed match report along with the coach’s reaction will be published on nyasabigbullets.com shortly after full-time.
