Malawi: Bullets replace captain ahead of Blantyre Derby

Malawi domestic league record champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have made strategic changes to their squad leadership ahead of the 2026-2027 FDH Bank Premiership campaign.

The People’s Team has stripped midfielder Frank Willard of the captaincy and handed the armband to defender Blessings Mpokera to serve as the on-field leader.

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Secure your seat for the clash against Mighty Wanderers this Saturday at Bingu National Stadium.

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— FCB Nyasa Big Bullets (@nyasabigbullets) April 15, 2026

In a statement, Bullets did not justify the latest change in the leadership but simply highlighted the qualities of the new squad leader.

Mpokera to serve as Bullets’ on-field leader

“FCB Nyasa Big Bullets has confirmed its first team leadership group, with head coach Gilbert Chirwa appointing Blessings Mpokera as the club’s new captain ahead of the 2026-27 campaign,” reads the statement.

“Mpokera takes over the armband from Frank Willard, who led the People’s Team from August 2025, and now steps into the role after previously serving as third captain.

“The defender will lead Bullets into the new season, bringing experience and leadership qualities that have made him a key figure within the squad.”

What the armband means

This is the fourth time the captaincy has changed hands in the red side of Blantyre since last season.Willard replaced Llyod Aaron last year after the midfielder left the club for greener pastures, months after having taken over the armband for Clyde Senaji.

The armband carries with its responsibility, leadership and pressure that comes with a club whose fans only understand the vocabulary of a victory. So spoilt are the supporters they see either a draw or a loss as unacceptable and a mere excuse.

Wanderers FC’S new captain

The change in the holder of the armband comes hours before the People’s Team take on arch-rivals Mighty Wanderers in Blantyre on Saturday.

The record 17-time Super League champions will face their cross-town rivals in the NBS Charity Shield match.

The Blantyre Derby serves as a perfect warm up for the 2026-2027 season kicking off on April 25. The season will end next February.

In the opposite camp, the Nomads recently named defender Emmanuel Nyirenda as the new skipper to replace defender Lawrence Chaziya who signed for Simba Bhora FC in Zimbabwe.