Defender Khumbo Banda could not hide his excitement after finally donning the famous FCB Nyasa Big Bullets shirt in Sunday’s emphatic 5-0 win over Chilumba Barracks in the FDH Bank Cup.
The 27-year-old, a recent arrival from Dedza Dynamos, was trusted by head coach Peter Mponda with a place in the starting XI, and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands as The People’s Team cruised into the Round of 16.
“It was a great feeling, and I’m thankful to the coach for handing me my debut for Bullets,” Banda told club media. “It has always been my dream to play for the biggest club in Malawi, and stepping onto the pitch on Sunday made that dream a reality.”
Belief and Confidence
Banda stressed that he felt very little pressure because of the confidence shown in him by the technical panel.
“There wasn’t much pressure because when a coach like Peter Mponda believes in you and puts you in the Starting XI, you also have to believe in yourself. The only slight pressure was wearing Bullets colours for the first time. But once the game started and we settled, especially after scoring, the nerves were gone and it was enjoyable football playing for a team that plays a passing game.”
No Small Teams in Football
The defender dismissed suggestions that it was an “easy” tie.
“People can say it was against a lower-division side, but for me there’s no such thing as a small team. We’ve just seen Chatoloma Admarc knock Karonga United out of the competition. Every game is important, and we had to treat this one with full seriousness.”
Clean Sheet and Team Unity
What pleased Banda most was helping the team record a clean sheet on his debut.
“I was happy that we didn’t concede. It showed how solid the defence was and how the whole team pushed and encouraged me throughout my first game. That teamwork made the debut even more special.”
Ambitions with The People’s Team
Having come from clubs without silverware, Banda says he has joined Bullets to fight for trophies.
“It’s every player’s ambition to achieve something in their career. I’m coming from a team that wasn’t winning trophies, so my target is to finish the season with a medal — whether in the league or a cup. That would be my proudest moment with this great club.”
Eyes on Chitipa United
With Sunday’s Cup victory behind us, Banda and his teammates now shift focus to the TNM Super League clash away to Chitipa United on Saturday.
“Now we switch to Chitipa United in the league. It’s a team I’ve played for before, and I know how they play. My aim is to build from my debut and continue contributing depending on the coach’s plans. From day one, coach Mponda trusted me, and I’m here to work hard and repay that trust.”
