The NBM Women’s Championship returns for its second season this weekend, with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women opening their campaign against debutants Chitoliro Heroines.
The battle for the first three points of the new campaign comes to Mpira Stadium on Saturday as Bullets Women take on fellow Blantyre side Chitoliro Heroines.
Three points are on the line, with Bullets looking to make home advantage count and start the second edition on the front foot in front of their supporters.
Saturday marks the beginning of another long league journey for Maggie Chombo’s side, with the focus now firmly on getting the new campaign off to a strong start.
FORM GUIDE
Bullets head into the opener with recent competitive action behind them after taking part in the Southern Region Women’s Football Association Mayor’s Bonanza.
The team finished fourth in the tournament following a 2-1 defeat to Mighty Wanderers Queens in the third-place play-off, giving the squad valuable game time ahead of the championship.
That run has helped sharpen the team’s preparations and match rhythm, with the focus now turning to the opening league fixture.
Chitoliro Heroines, meanwhile, will make their NBM Women’s Championship debut when they face The People’s Team at Chiwembe.
The newcomers provide Bullets’ first test of the season, with Saturday’s meeting also bringing together two Blantyre sides on the opening day.
TEAM NEWS
Chombo’s squad will have a different look this season following the departure of experienced goalkeeper Thokozani Mwase and talented young player Ioulia Yiannakis.
New faces have also joined the group, adding fresh options as Bullets begin their second championship campaign.
Bullets will, however, begin the campaign with several players unavailable. Zainab Kapanda continues her recovery from knee surgery, while Asimenye Mwanyongo, Shalon Dzimau and Malawi international Bernadetta Mkandawire are also sidelined with injuries.
Despite the absences, Chombo will have the rest of her squad available as Bullets look to start the season strongly.
COACH’S THOUGHTS
Chombo believes her side has prepared well for the league opener, with fitness, tactics and focus central to their work ahead of Saturday’s contest.
“We have prepared well for the first game of the league. We have been working on our fitness levels and tactics, and the girls are focused on this game.
“Now we just need to take that preparation onto the pitch, do what we have been working on and give our best. It is a very important game because it is the first game, and we need to win it.
“I have been telling the girls how important this game is and why we need to win. We just have to go onto the pitch, give everything and fight for the three points.”
Bullets also head into the new season with the experience of the inaugural championship campaign behind them, having finished fourth with 31 points.
The team narrowly missed the top three on goal difference, with their final game in January ending in a 2-1 defeat to eventual champions Silver Strikers Ladies.
That first season gave Bullets valuable experience of championship football and highlighted the fine margins that can define the competition.
The challenge now is to build on that experience as the championship enters its second edition.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The second edition is expected to be even more competitive, with players across the domestic league also looking to use the championship as a platform to push for places in the Malawi Scorchers squad ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
For Bullets Women, however, the focus is firmly on their own contest — and on beginning the new championship season with three points on home ground.
The opening-day action at Mpira Stadium continues at 14:30, when Kukoma Ntopwa Women take on defending champions Silver Strikers Ladies.
MATCH DETAILS
Competition: NBM Women’s Championship
Fixture: Bullets Women vs Chitoliro Heroines
Venue: Mpira Stadium
Date: Saturday
Kick-off: 12:00
