FCB Nyasa Bullets president Konrad Buckle has rewarded the club’s players and technical staff with K15 million for defending the Airtel Top 8.
The People’s Team beat Silver Strikers 4-3 on post-match penalties after playing out a one-all draw in regulation time at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday to cart home K35 million winner’s purse.
It was the third consecutive time for the Blantyre-based outfit to win the cup and fourth overall in eight editions.
In an interview yesterday, Buckle said he was impressed with the team’s feat.
Said the business mogul: “This is in appreciation to the coach [Peter Mponda], his backroom staff and the players for a job well done.
“It is not every time that a team wins a major trophy for three consecutive times and for that, the team deserves a pat on the back.”
Buckle said the team’s performance was testimony that its rebuilding drive is on course.
He said: “We are now rebuilding the team and we need to nurture and breed depth and quality of players that can make Bullets compete at international level.”
The Bullets boss also appreciated the turnout, saying: “It was a humbling experience. Bullets fans are a family and they came from all over the country to support their team.
“The number of fans that showed up was unheard of and it demonstrates the love and passion they have for their team and It is something that cannot be taken for granted.”
However, Buckle challenged the players to give out something extra and try to repeat the 2023 feat when they won a quadruple.
The club’s sponsors First Capital Bank also rewarded the players with K500 000 each, translating to K10 million for the final match’s squad of 20.
The bank’s head of marketing and communication Twikale Chirwa said the gesture was a token of appreciation for winning the cup.
“We are proud of the team and we hope the Airtel Top 8 success will motivate them to achieve more,” he said.
Team captain Lloyd Aaron thanked Buckle for the reward.
He said: “The gesture means a lot to us as it demonstrates his appreciation and we do not take it for granted.
“We also thank the fans for their support which made a big difference during the final.”
