Malawi: Bullets poach duo, transfer-list three

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have poached two key players from fellow giants Mighty Wanderers and Silver Strikers ahead of the 2026-2027 FDH Premiership season. To create room, the Blantyre-based club has since transferred three players.

The 17-time Super League (now called FDH Premiership) champions have snatched goalkeeper Pilirani Mapira and defender Ahmad Kang’unde from Strikers and Wanderers, on two and three-year contracts respectively.

✍🏾 Bullets complete signing of defender Emmanuel Kaunga

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— FCB Nyasa Big Bullets (@nyasabigbullets) March 11, 2026

The duo joins striker Dastan Banda who also signed for the People’s Team from Civil Service United recently.

How Silver Strikers anticipated Mapira’s exit

Speaking to Bullets’ media, the 28-year-old Mapira, who previously had a stint with Wanderers before signing for Strikers, expressed his delight to put pen to paper for the Gilbert Chirwa-led team.

“I am very excited to play for Bullets,” Mapira told the club’s website. “Every player wants to play for Bullets. It was my wish to play for this club and when they showed interest in me, I could not resist.”

In anticipation of the third-choice keeper Mapira’s exit, the Lilongwe giants signed Christopher Mikuwa from MAFCO FC, joining Charles Thom and George Chikooka, who are second and first-choice custodians, respectively.

Mapira, who is the second arrival at Bullets from Silver after defender Emmanuel Kaunga, will compete for a place between the sticks with Innocent Nyasulu, Clever Nkungula and Maclean Mwale. Meanwhile, coach Chirwa has since placed Chimbamba on the transfer-list alongside defender Blessings Joseph and midfielder Lameck Gamphani.

Bullets’ big first-choice keeper’s headache

For all their status as the most successful club in Malawi, the People’s Team have struggled to identify a particular first-choice goalkeeper with Chimbamba and Nyasulu merely showing flashes of brilliance in some games without any consistency.

The new additions are expected to strengthen Bullets in their resolve to defend the Airtel Top 8 and Castel Challenge cups while also seeking to reclaim the Premiership title they last won three seasons ago.

Malawi: Bullets Poach Duo, Transfer-List Three Ahead of New Season

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have strengthened their squad by poaching two key players from fellow giants Mighty Wanderers and Silver Strikers ahead of the 2026-2027 FDH Premiership season. To create room for the new arrivals, the Blantyre-based club has also placed three players on the transfer list as preparations for the upcoming campaign intensify.

The 17-time Super League champions, now competing in the FDH Premiership, have secured the signatures of goalkeeper Pilirani Mapira and defender Ahmad Kang’unde. Mapira joins from Silver Strikers on a two-year contract while Kang’unde arrives from Mighty Wanderers on a three-year deal.

The duo becomes part of the club’s rebuilding process as the technical team looks to strengthen key areas of the squad. Their arrival follows the earlier signing of striker Dastan Banda from Civil Service United, another addition expected to boost attacking options.

Mapira delighted to join Malawi giants

Speaking to the club’s official media platform, the 28-year-old goalkeeper expressed excitement after completing his move.

“I am very excited to play for Bullets,” Mapira said. “Every player wants to play for this club. It was my dream to represent this team and when they showed interest, I could not resist the opportunity.”

Mapira’s transfer marks another important step in his career. The goalkeeper previously spent time at Mighty Wanderers before making the switch to Silver Strikers, where he served as a reliable option between the posts.

His experience in the Malawian top flight is expected to provide competition in the goalkeeping department and bring additional stability to the squad.

Silver Strikers prepared for Mapira exit

Silver Strikers appeared ready for Mapira’s departure after reinforcing their goalkeeping department earlier. The Lilongwe-based side recently signed Christopher Mikuwa from MAFCO FC as a replacement.

Mikuwa joins Charles Thom and George Chikooka in the Silver Strikers goalkeeping unit, with Chikooka continuing as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper while Thom remains the second option.

The move allowed the Lilongwe giants to maintain balance in their squad despite losing one of their experienced custodians during the transfer window.

Increased competition in goal

Mapira becomes the second player to join the Blantyre club from Silver Strikers after defender Emmanuel Kaunga also completed a move earlier.

At his new club, Mapira will compete for a starting position with Innocent Nyasulu, Clever Nkungula and Maclean Mwale. The increased competition is expected to push the goalkeepers to improve their performances as the team aims to strengthen defensively.

For several seasons, the side has struggled to establish a consistent first-choice goalkeeper. Both Nyasulu and Chimbamba have delivered impressive performances at times, but neither has been able to secure the position permanently due to inconsistent displays.

The arrival of a new goalkeeper could therefore provide the stability the technical bench has been searching for.

Three players placed on transfer list

Meanwhile, head coach Gilbert Chirwa has placed three players on the transfer list as part of the squad restructuring process.

Goalkeeper Maxwell Chimbamba, defender Blessings Joseph and midfielder Lameck Gamphani have all been made available for transfer as the team reshapes its roster for the upcoming campaign.

The decision is expected to create space for new signings while also giving the players an opportunity to seek more playing time elsewhere.

Focus on trophies next season

The new additions are expected to play an important role as the team prepares for a busy season in domestic competitions.

The club will aim to defend its Airtel Top 8 and Castel Challenge Cup titles while also mounting a strong challenge for the FDH Premiership crown. The league title has eluded them for the past three seasons, increasing the pressure on the current squad to deliver success.

With several strategic signings already completed, supporters will be hoping the strengthened squad can return the club to the top of Malawian football.