Malawi FDH Bank Premiership: Bullets coach dismisses pressure ahead of Blantyre Derby

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ interim coach, Gilbert Chirwa, has ruled out facing individual pressure heading into the highly anticipated FDH Bank Premiership showdown against Mighty Wanderers FC in Lilongwe this Sunday, 10 May 2026.

Speaking to the club’s media on Thursday, the “People’s Team” caretaker boss insisted that if any Blantyre Derby pressure exists, it weighs equally on their rivals, famously known as the Nomads.

“We are not under pressure, but there is pressure on both Wanderers and Bullets,” Chirwa noted regarding the clash at the Bingu National Stadium. “This is a big game [Blantyre Derby]”.

WHY PRESSURE REMAINS INEVITABLE FOR THE HOLDERS IN Blantyre Derby

Despite the coach’s calm exterior, the People’s Team legend is well aware of the growing frustration among the fans. Bullets have suffered a dismal run against their rivals, losing four consecutive matches across all competitions to the Nomads since last year.

The most recent heartbreak occurred just three weeks ago when Wanderers edged the record Malawian champions 1-0 to lift the NBS Bank Charity Shield in Lilongwe.

Commenting on that defeat, Chirwa remained optimistic: “Yes, our rivals won the last time, but this is a new game. We believe that anything can happen.”

This marks the second meeting in less than a month between the bitter Blantyre rivals. Due to the lack of a certified match venue in their home city, the two giants will once again settle their scores in the capital.

SEASON FORM: HOW THEY MEASURE UP AHEAD OF Blantyre Derby

The Nomads head into the derby with psychological momentum following their 1-0 Charity Shield victory on 18 April. In league action, Wanderers recently secured a 2-1 win over Creck SC.

Conversely, Chirwa’s side has had a mixed start to the FDH Bank Premiership campaign, playing to a 2-2 draw with Civil Service United before narrowly defeating MAFCO FC 1-0.

Currently, Bullets sit in fourth place with four points. The Nomads have three points, having played only one league fixture following the postponement of their opening game against Karonga United.

MATCH DETAILS: BROADCAST & TICKETING

HOW TO WATCH THE BLANTYRE DERBY

The most-watched fixture in Malawian football – the Blantyre Derby will be broadcast live on local channels, including Mibawa TV and MBC TV (DStv channels 298 and 269). For international viewers, the match will be available via the FIFA+ online platform.

TICKET PRICES

Open Terraces: MK8,000 (Advance) / MK10,000 (Matchday)

VIP: MK20,000 (Advance) / MK25,000 (Matchday)

WEEKEND FIXTURES (Kick-off: 14:00 CAT)

Saturday, 9 May 2026

MAFCO FC vs Creck SC

Civil Service United vs Ekhaya FC

Moyale Barracks FC vs Chitipa United

Sunday, 10 May 2026

Kamuzu Barracks FC vs Karonga United

Blue Eagles vs Silver Strikers

Red Lions vs GC Dedza Dynamos FC

Mighty Wanderers vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets

Monday, 11 May 2026

Masters FC vs LUANAR FC