Malawi: Sundowns legend Mtawali eyes Bullets job

Mamelodi Sundowns legend Ernest Mtawali is among the notable applicants for the coaching job of Malawi record domestic league winners FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.

The 1985 South Africa Footballer-of-the- Year confirmed to The Daily Times newspaper in Malawi that he was willing to take up the post which became vacant following Peter Mponda’s sacking in December.

“It is true [that] I have applied for the job. Bullets is a big brand, so I am ready if they give me a chance,” the former Orlando Pirates midfielder is quoted saying.

Bullets have, through their media manager Kimpho Loka, since clarified to Pan-Africa Football why they advertised the post on Tuesday, amid reports that the club had received many job applications from coaches including from Zambia.

“For clarity, this is the first advertisement for the post of Head Coach. The Club did not advertise the post immediately after it fell vacant, and only announced the appointment of Gilbert Chirwa as interim Head Coach. This process is part of the Club’s standard recruitment procedure,” Loka said.

Profile of a coach Bullets want

In a job vacancy advert placed on the team’s website, Bullets say they want a coach with either a CAF or UEFA badge. The prospective candidate must also have “strong knowledge of modern football tactics, training methodologies and performance management.”

More importantly, the Blantyre-based giants, whose difficult-to-please fans demand winning while playing beautiful attacking football, want a handler capable of working “in a high-pressure and results driven environment.”

The new coach will surely be tasked with winning the Super League title. It is the piece of silverware Bullets have missed since 2023 when they laid their hands on the prized asset.

Last season, rivals Mighty Wanderers won the championship. The previous season, Mponda led Silver Strikers to the league silverware before he returned to Bullets, his childhood club.

The former Malawi national team skipper managed to claim the Airtel Top 8 trophy with the People’s Team last season, but so high are the standards in the red side of Blantyre that only a league crown is a measure of success.

Bullets are the most followed top-flight league team in Malawi with a fan base estimated at six million. The People’s Team has won the most 17 league titles followed by Silver at nine then Wanderers seven.

Cardoso rallying cry sends clear message to Sundowns squad

The potential appointment of Ernest Mtawali would be closely watched by football fans in both Malawi and South Africa. As a former Mamelodi Sundowns player, Mtawali understands the demands of top-level football and the expectations that come with representing successful clubs. His experience as a player has often been highlighted as a key strength that could translate well into a coaching role.

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, meanwhile, remain one of the most decorated clubs in Malawian football history. Any decision regarding their next head coach is expected to focus on long-term stability, player development, and sustained domestic success. The club is also keen to improve its performances in continental competitions, making the coaching appointment a crucial step in their planning.

Should Mtawali secure the role, it would present an opportunity for him to further build his coaching credentials while contributing to the growth of Malawian football. Until an official announcement is made, speculation will continue, with supporters eager to see who ultimately takes charge of one of the country’s most prominent football institutions.

The coming days will be important as the club finalises its decision, with supporters and analysts closely monitoring developments. The appointment is expected to shape the team’s direction and ambitions for the upcoming season.

The CAF Champions League continues to be Africa’s premier club competition, with full tournament details available on the
official CAF website.

A final decision is expected soon as the club moves closer to confirming its next head coach.