Mponda defends selection of ‘injury-prone’ Peter Banda

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets coach Peter Mponda has commented on the latest injury of star forward Peter Banda during the Airtel Top 8 cup semifinal match on Saturday, June 21 2025.

The coach insisted that he did not field the former Simba SC player too early after he spent over a year on the sidelines.

Banda provided an assist for Bullets’ opening goal which Chikumbutso Salima scored before the former was taken off the pitch following an eye injury on the half hour mark.

“People are entitled to their opinion but we felt that he was ready so we cannot say it was too early as he was elbowed on the eye and that is why he left the pitch. This injury is different from the one he suffered earlier,” the coach said.

Mponda saluted his Karonga counterpart Oscar Kaunda for giving Bullets a good run for their money.

“It was a good game in terms of result but in terms of possession, Karonga did better than us. Let me congratulate coach Oscar Kaunda he is showing that he is a good coach although he is working under difficult circumstances,” he said.

Meanwhile, Banda has given an update to his injury saying he was fine and the injury was not a major concern.

Bullets have since qualified for the final and will meet either Silver Strikers or Civil Service United.

The Lilongwe rivals face off on Sunday in the other semifinal.