FCB Nyasa Big Bullets captain Blessings Mpokera believes Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Chitipa United underlined the character within the squad after a positive response to the setback away to Goshen City Dedza Dynamos.
Bullets controlled long periods of the FDH Bank Premiership encounter at Mpira Stadium but had to wait for the breakthrough, with Mpokera converting from the penalty spot in the 80th minute before Clever Kalambo doubled the advantage two minutes later.
Reflecting on the contest after the final whistle, the skipper placed particular importance on the manner in which the team returned to winning ways.
“This is an important result for us because we were coming off a defeat. We needed to show a response, and I think we did that today.
“We are pleased with the way we performed and, most importantly, that we were able to get the result we wanted.”
A dominant first half brought a succession of opportunities, but the pressure did not translate into goals as we twice struck the woodwork and forced Chitipa goalkeeper John Banda into several saves.
The captain revealed that the message in the dressing room at half-time was to remain composed and turn that control into a winning performance.
“We played well in the first half and created a lot of chances, but we didn’t make the most of them. At half-time, we spoke among ourselves and agreed that we had to do whatever was necessary to win the game.
“We stayed focused, kept pushing and, in the end, did what was required to get the three points.”
Sunday also marked Mpokera’s return to the starting XI after recovering from injury.
Back with the captain’s armband, the defender helped us record a clean sheet, took responsibility for the decisive penalty and was later named Player of the Match.
His approach on returning to action was to keep things simple and provide the contribution the team needed.
“I told myself not to complicate things. I just wanted to settle into the game, play my normal football and do my job for the team.
“I was coming back from injury, so the most important thing was to make the right contribution and help the team get the result.”
Despite the individual recognition, the skipper was quick to share the Player of the Match award with the rest of the group.
“I am very happy to be named Player of the Match, but I have to give credit to my teammates because they pushed me throughout the game.
“I could not have done it alone. We achieved this together as a team, so this award belongs to all of us. For me personally, it gives me even more motivation to keep working and giving everything as we continue fighting for points.”
He also acknowledged the supporters, whose backing remained constant throughout Sunday’s encounter.
“The supporters were with us throughout the game. Even after the defeat in Dedza, they continued to believe in us, and that means a lot to the players.
“We need them with us. Their support is very important to this team, and we want them to continue standing behind us as we move forward together.”
The victory moved us to 23 points from 12 matches, level with third-placed Mighty Wanderers and two behind Silver Strikers and Blue Eagles.
Next is a trip north to face Karonga United at Karonga Stadium on Sunday as we continue our FDH Bank Premiership campaign.
