FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Triumph in Castel Challenge Cup
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have successfully reclaimed the Castel Challenge Cup, following a strong performance in the 2025/26 tournament held in Blantyre, Malawi. Maxwell Phodo was named Player of the Tournament, scoring an impressive seven goals, which accounted for more than half of the 12 goals scored by Bullets throughout the competition.
Phodo’s remarkable achievement included scoring in three consecutive matches during the knockout rounds, showcasing his pivotal role in the team’s success. This victory marks a significant comeback for the Bullets, who previously won the cup in 2023 but lost it in 2024.
In a related context, Xherdan Shaqiri of FC Basel has faced criticism for not replicating his previous season’s performance. Experts have noted that FC Basel has fallen short of expectations this season after a successful double season last year. Pascal Zuberbühler, a key figure in the team, stated, “I’m taking Shaqiri completely out of the firing line,” emphasizing that the challenges faced by the team are not solely attributable to him.
Furthermore, Blerim Dzemaili supported this sentiment, asserting, “It’s definitely not down to him,” indicating a broader issue within the team dynamics.
In a separate incident, a former manager of First Citizens Bank was unlawfully terminated after discovering a hidden microphone in his office. Justice Carol Gobin ruled that the bank breached the manager’s contract of employment, stating, “I find that FCB breached the Claimant’s contract of employment by denying him his contractual right to the procedure for the fair determination of disciplinary offences before terminating his employment for serious misconduct.”
The court ordered the bank to compensate the former manager with nine months’ salary, in addition to one month already paid, highlighting the legal ramifications of the bank’s actions. Justice Gobin described the bank’s use of the absence of an explanation as a basis for summary dismissal as egregious.
As FCB Nyasa Big Bullets celebrates their triumph, observers are keen to see how they will build on this success in future tournaments. Meanwhile, the situation at FC Basel and the repercussions of the legal ruling against First Citizens Bank remain under scrutiny.
