Double celebration for Bullets

FCB Nyasa Bullets enjoyed a double celebration on Saturday when they were voted  the best team in the 2023 MBC Entertainers of the Year, barely hours after winning the inaugural Castel Challenge Cup.

The revived awards, whose ceremony was held at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Liloingwe, saw the People’s Team’s wonder kid Patrick Mwaungulu being named the best footballer.

In his brief speech, Bullets chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda attributed their success this year to the support they got from the team’s board and supporters.

In an interview on Sunday, he said considering their achievements this year, it was not surprising that they were voted the best team.

“We have swept almost all silverware except for the Airtel Top 8 in which we are in the final, so it was expected that we would win this award,” said Nyirenda.

Apart from the Castel Challenge Cup, Bullets also have the TNM Super League and FDH Bank Cup in the bag.

Meanwhile, the People’s Team have a chance to achieve a quadruple if they beat Mafco in the final of the Airtel Top 8 this Saturday at Bingu National Stadium.

The other nominees for football team of the year were Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Chitipa United while Mwaungulu’s teammate Lanjesi Nkhoma and Silver Strikers midfielder Chimwemwe Idana were nominated for the Best Player Award.

Australia-based gangly shooter Mwawi Kumwenda was voted the best netballer, beating two other nominees, shooter Joyce Mvula, who is set to return to the United Kingdon after signing for Leeds Rhinos and Blue Eagles Sisters centre Takondwa Lwazi.

In an interview on Sunday, Kumwenda said she was excited to be named the best netballer.

“I am really humbled by the recognition and it means a lot to me as it is a source of inspiration. I thank all those who voted for me,” she said,

Mubas were voted the best netball team, beating Blue Eagles Sisters who were the favourites.

The Entertainers of the Year Programme has returned after an 18-year break.