We wrapped up our pre-season programme with four matches that offered valuable lessons as the squad takes shape ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The People’s Team faced a mix of competitive opposition, including top-flight sides Red Lions, Goshen City Dedza Dynamos and Kamuzu Barracks, alongside non-league outfit Ntchisi Select.
With a blend of new signings, promoted talent from the reserves and established senior players, the Gilbert Chirwa-led technical team used the fixtures to build fitness, test combinations and sharpen their tactical approach ahead of the season opener.
Over the four matches, Bullets scored seven goals and conceded just once, underlining both their attacking promise and defensive solidity heading into the new season.
Here are the key takeaways from the pre-season run:
New Signings Making Early Impact
The club’s new additions have quickly settled into the group, with several already making their presence felt over the course of pre-season.
Forward Dastan Banda stood out with his attacking contribution, including a brace in the final match, while showing sharp movement in the final third. His ability to stretch defences and get into scoring positions adds a new dimension to Bullets’ frontline.
George Chaomba also got on the scoresheet, highlighting his ability to contribute in attack and offering another option going forward.
Defensively, Emmanuel Kaunga and Ahmad Kung’unde have added stability at the back, showing composure in build-up play while fitting into the team’s structure.
In goal, Pilirani Mapira and McLean Mwale have provided healthy competition, both getting minutes and demonstrating confidence between the posts.
Squad Depth and Competition for Places
Another key takeaway is the increased depth within the squad compared to last campaign.
The club has strengthened key areas with the addition of seven new signings.
Goalkeepers Mapira (Silver Strikers) and Mwale (Karonga United), defenders Kaunga (Silver Strikers) and Kung’unde (Mighty Wanderers), and attacking options Chaomba (Creck Sporting Club), Dastan Banda (Civil Service United) and Clever Kalambo (Moyale Barracks) add depth across the pitch.
In addition, three youngsters from the reserves — Prince Chiumia, Misheck Billiat and Madalitso Safuli — have been fully promoted into the first team setup.
Safuli, in particular, adds valuable experience despite his age, having already tasted top-flight football during his loan spell at Mzuzu City Hammers last season before returning to link up with the senior squad.
This blend of new arrivals and emerging talent provides the technical team with more options across the pitch, creating healthy competition for places and strengthening the team’s overall balance ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Defensive Solidity a Positive Sign
Conceding just once across four matches is another key positive for The People’s Team.
The defensive unit has shown organisation and discipline, with strong communication between the backline and goalkeepers. This foundation will be key as Bullets look to build consistency in the upcoming campaign.
Goals Shared Across the Squad
Another encouraging takeaway has been the spread of goals within the squad.
In addition to Dastan Banda and Chaomba, established players Maxwell Phodo and Ephraim Kondowe also found the back of the net, continuing the form they showed last campaign.
Their contributions underline the balance within the squad, with both new and experienced players stepping up in front of goal.
Reserve Promotions Grabbing Their Opportunity
Pre-season also provided a platform for young players from the reserves to step up and impress, with left-back Prince Chiumia and winger Misheck Billiat consistently given minutes across the games.
Goalkeeper Julius Banda was also handed minutes in the final match, gaining valuable first-team experience and showing composure when called upon.
The inclusion of young talents reflects the club’s continued commitment to developing players from within, with the pre-season fixtures serving as an important bridge between the reserves and the senior team.
Tactical Flexibility Taking Shape
The pre-season fixtures allowed the coaching staff to test different tactical setups and player combinations.
There were clear signs of tactical flexibility, with the team adapting its shape in and out of possession while maintaining its attacking intent.
This adaptability will be crucial as Bullets prepare to face different challenges across domestic competitions.
Momentum Building Ahead of the New Season
Beyond individual performances, the biggest takeaway is the collective progress made over the four matches.
The team has gradually built rhythm, improved cohesion and shown signs of sharpness in both attack and defence.
With the season fast approaching, The People’s Team will take confidence from the progress made during pre-season as they look to carry this momentum into the 2026/27 campaign with a strong start.
Attention now turns to the season curtain-raiser, with Bullets set to face rivals Mighty Wanderers in the NBS Bank Charity Shield at the Bingu National Stadium this Saturday, before opening our FDH Bank Premiership campaign away to Civil Service United on 25 April.
