Bullets bring Blantyre to a standstill

Hordes of red-and-white clad fans yesterday lined up the Lilongwe and Blantyre stretch of the M1 Road to get a glimpse of their team Nyasa Big Bullets as they showed off the Presidential Cup in an open-top bus parade.

The People’s Team beat Moyale Barracks 4-3 in post-match penalty shoot-out on Saturday at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe to fan wild celebrations which culminated in their cup parade as they returned to their base in Blantyre.

Through a cacophonous sea of red and white on either side, the bus carrying Bullets players, slowly snaked its way through the streets of the commercial city late in the afternoon in a victory parade like no other in local footballing history.

Bullets were given a hearty send off as they departed Lilongwe at about 9am and everywhere they stopped, they were met by elated fans, according to team manager Rahim Ishmael.

The People’s Team had brief stops at Dedza, Tsangano turn-off in Ntcheu and then Zalewa in Neno where they were welcomed by a group of over enthusiastic fans.

And when they reached Kameza Roundabout, the atmosphere became electric as fans forced the team’s convoy to move at a snail’s pace, causing a traffic jam.

Then they drove around the streets before heading to their club house at Mandala.

The fans appeared overwhelmed by the raw beauty of the occasion that meant so much to each of them.

There were scenes so lovely that should have only been fit for the angels in their flight as Bullets painted the city red.

“This is amazing, we are overwhelmed by this grand welcome. We dedicate the cup to our sponsors and supporters for their faith and trust in us,” said team captain Chiukepo Msowoya.

For winning, Bullets carted home K10 million plus the trophy while Moyale got K5 million consolation.

They became only the second team to win the cup twice after their age-old rivals Be Forward Wanderers.