Interim head coach Gilbert Chirwa has unveiled his first FCB Nyasa Big Bullets squad ahead of the season-closing fixture against Mzuzu City Hammers at Kamuzu Stadium this afternoon.
Four changes have been made to the side that started in the goalless draw against Mighty Tigers at Mpira Stadium on Sunday.
With second place on the line and Hammers fighting to avoid relegation, the final match promises high intensity from start to finish. A win, combined with a superior goal difference, could see Maule finish above Silver Strikers, while the visitors aim for survival.
Innocent Nyasulu returns between the posts, replacing Richard Chimbamba. A back three of Khumbo Banda, youngster Edward Thengo, and Henry Chiwaya will anchor the defence.
Captain Frank Willard anchors the midfield, with Chawanangwa Gumbo, Wongani Lungu, and Peter Banda linking play and controlling transitions.
The front three features Chikumbutso Salima, Maxwell Phodo, and Babatunde Adepoju. Both Salima and Babatunde are joint league top scorers with 13 goals and will be looking to add to their tally.
Babatunde will also play his final match for Maule before returning to parent club Venda FC in South Africa.
Reserves graduate goalkeeper Austin Chirambo joins the bench alongside Yamikani Mologeni, Blessings Joseph, Dominic Musonda, Mike Mkwate, Sean McBrams, Hassan Kajoke, and Bright Munthali.
Mologeni and Musonda started against Tigers, with Mkwate returning after injury during the 2-0 win over Ekhaya FC two weeks ago. Kajoke, McBrams, and Munthali all came off the bench in that match, giving Chirwa tactical flexibility.
Maule will be without Yankho Singo who misses out due to suspension, while Aaron Chilipa, Blessings Mpokera, Chrispin Mapemba, Paul Master, Ephraim Kondowe, and Andrew Jovinala, are sidelined due to injuries.
Kondowe was withdrawn during the Tigers game and replaced by Munthali. Chirwa will rely on his bench depth to navigate the final fixture.
The former Bullets and Malawi defender is expected to line up in a 3-4-3 formation, controlling the midfield while the front three test gaps in the visitors’ defence.
Bullets remain unbeaten against Hammers in league play, winning 2-0 in the first round at Rumphi Stadium, thanks to late strikes from Chikumbutso Salima and Hassan Kajoke.
Although it’s raining in Blantyre, fans are encouraged to cheer on Maule at Kamuzu Stadium as the team looks to finish the season strongly and secure second place under Chirwa’s debut squad.
