The reigning Malawi champions are determined to demonstrate their championship pedigree despite a challenging beginning to the 2024 season.
Currently trailing Silver Strikers by 13 points after 11 games, Bullets, who secured a record domestic quadruple last season, are focused on defending their TNM Super League title and other trophies.
In 2023, under Kalisto Pasuwa’s guidance, the team swept all domestic honours, including the NBS Bank Charity Shield, the TNM Super League, the FDH Bank Cup, the Castel Challenge Cup and the Airtel Top 8.
However, this season has seen them start slowly, currently sitting fifth in the standings, marking their worst league start in eight years.
Despite these challenges, the team remains optimistic about their title prospects, emphasizing that there are ample points left to contest over the remaining games.
New recruit Lloyd Aaron, who expressed surprise at their current position, remains confident that the team will bounce back, stating, “But as players, we will keep fighting for the badge and see how the season will end after 30 games,” the midfielder, who joined us from Civil Service United, told club media.
Goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu, another recent addition from Mighty Tigers, shares this optimism, believing the team will soon return to winning ways despite the current difficulties. So far, Nyasulu has been impressive in goals, conceding only four goals and keeping three clean sheets in seven league games.
In an exclusive interview with the club media, Nyasulu brushed aside suggestions that the slump in form could have emanated from pressure. He emphasized that the team’s performance remains strong, despite recent results.
“Having supporters can’t be enough reason for me to have pressure. I have fared well in the games I’ve played and I’m positive Bullets will start delivering soon. It’s not that we are not playing well but it’s just a period in which you give it all but can’t get what you deserve,” said the 2023 Best Goalkeeper.
Manager Kalisto Pasuwa acknowledged the team’s psychological challenges following recent matches but remains hopeful that with support and encouragement, they can regain their winning momentum.
Club president Konrad Buckle’s recent visit to the team during training provided a morale boost, with captain Precious Sambani highlighting the positive impact on the team’s morale.
“It’s a turning point for us. It hasn’t been easy and it was also very frustrating for us to drop points at that rate, leaving us in a very unfamiliar position in the league table. Now we believe that’s water under the bridge and we are geared to go all flat out and get the results,” said the skipper.
Looking ahead to their FDH Bank Cup match against Bangwe All Stars, midfielder Patrick Mwaungulu stressed the importance of progressing in the competition to redefine our season.
The 2023 Player of the Season stated: “We have to win and progress to the next round on Sunday. We are the defending champions and we have to show our character.
“Yes, we haven’t started well in our Super League title defence, but this [next match] is a knockout competition where a win will guarantee us a place in the next round. That’s the only way to declare that we are Bullets and we are a winning team.”
A win against Bangwe All Stars would secure a spot in the FDH Bank Cup Last 16, setting the stage for our upcoming TNM Super League match against Civo at home.
