Head coach Wedson Nyirenda has provided the latest squad update ahead of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ FDH Bank Premiership encounter against Chitipa United at Mpira Stadium on Sunday.
The People’s Team returns to league action following last weekend’s Airtel Top 8 semifinal break, seeking a response after suffering its first defeat of the campaign away to Goshen City Dedza Dynamos two weeks ago.
Back for his customary Thursday pre-match press conference, Nyirenda confirmed that Blessings Mpokera and Prince Chiumia are available for selection.
Mpokera has rejoined the squad after recovering from injury, while Chiumia has overcome the knock that ruled him out of the trip to Dedza.
Andrew Jovinala remains unavailable after sustaining a cut in our last league outing.
Paul Master and George Chaomba will also miss Sunday’s fixture, although Nyirenda expects both players to return soon.
“They are both close to returning, and hopefully next week we will have them back.”
Chrispin Mapemba remains sidelined as he continues his recovery following knee surgery in April.
“Hopefully, next week he will begin light training,” Nyirenda said of the wing-back.
Sunday’s encounter comes too soon for Jovinala, Master, Chaomba and Mapemba, but the availability of Mpokera and Chiumia strengthens Nyirenda’s options for the Matchweek 12 contest.
Bullets go into the weekend fourth in the standings with 20 points, just two behind the top three—Mighty Wanderers, Silver Strikers and Blue Eagles.
Chitipa arrive at Mpira Stadium eighth with 16 points and unbeaten in their last three matches. The visitors have collected seven points during that run and won their last two fixtures, including an away victory over Goshen City.
Victory on Sunday would return The People’s Team to winning ways and keep the pressure firmly on the leading pack in a tightly contested title race.
The match kicks off at 14:30.
