Maggie Chombo is confident that FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women are in great shape as they prepare for the Goshen-FAM National Women’s Championship, set to kick off in Blantyre tomorrow.
Bullets are determined to advance to the next round of the competition as they face their city rivals, Kukoma Ntopwa Women, in the quarterfinals at Mpira Stadium on Monday.
Last season, the team fell short of reaching the semifinals, suffering a disappointing 4-1 loss to MDF Lioness in Lilongwe during the national phase of the tournament.
“That result was tough to take, but it served as a wake-up call for us,” Chombo shared. “We’ve worked tirelessly since then to learn from that experience, address our weaknesses, and strengthen the squad. This match with Ntopwa is a perfect opportunity to show how much we’ve progressed and demonstrate our commitment to achieving success.”
The clash between the Southern Region Women’s League champions and runners-up promises an exciting contest, as two of Blantyre’s top women’s football teams go head-to-head.
Chombo added, “It’s a challenging fixture, but it’s also a great chance for us to prove ourselves. The rivalry adds extra energy and motivation for both the players and supporters, making it a game no one will want to miss.”
The former Malawi international striker and captain acknowledged Ntopwa Women’s consistency and tactical discipline, noting the difficulty they pose as opponents. However, she expressed confidence in her own team’s preparation and ability to deliver.
“Kukoma Ntopwa is a strong, well-organized side with talented players, but we know what we’re capable of,” she said. “Our players are in excellent form, and we’ve put a lot of effort into refining our strategies. This is our moment to prove we’ve learned from the past and can rise to the challenge.”
The 2024 Goshen-FAM National Women’s Championship will begin with play-offs from Friday, 14 March, to Sunday, 16 March. The quarterfinals are slated for 17 and 18 March, with the semifinals set for 20 March. The tournament will conclude with the third-place play-off and final on 22 March.