The 2018 Telkom Knockout Cup winner Wedson Nyirenda has taken over the coaching mantle of Malawi’s FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC.
The Zambian left his mark on the psyche of South African football when he masterminded Bakgakga’s stunning 3-2 victory over fancied Orlando Pirates in the final to win the 2018 Telkom Knockout Cup.
Baroka have never been the same since the former Chipolopolo trainer left them, they were eventually relegated from the ABSA Premiership (now Betway Premiership) to the Motsepe Foundation Championship and now to the third tier ABC Motsepe League.
Nyirenda has signed a two-year contract with Bullets, replacing former Black Leopards FC skipper and coach Peter Mponda who parted ways with the record champions in December 2025.
PROVEN WINNER WITH BAROKA FC
The former Kaizer Chiefs striker beat other shortlisted candidates, including compatriot Chris Kaunda, Malawian Gerald Phiri Senior and former Chippa United and Lamontville Golden Arrows English coach Mark Harrison to the job.
Other reports suggest that former AmaKhosi mentor coach Ernst Middendorp was also in the frame for the job.
Bullets president Konrad Buckle has since described the 59-year-old Nyirenda as the right man to handle the hot seat owing to his winning track record, experience and managerial skills.
"The board and management have worked diligently throughout this process. We have full confidence in the decision that has been made. We believe he has the qualities, leadership and expertise to make a real difference at FCB Nyasa Big Bullets," Buckle told the media on Wednesday.’
NYIRENDA DELIGHTED
Nyirenda has since expressed his delight at taking over the coaching reins of one of the giants of Southern Africa football, boasting 17 league titles and a huge fan base.
"I am very excited and delighted to be in Malawi, especially because I have been appointed head coach of the country's biggest club. FCB Nyasa Big Bullets is a club with a remarkable history. Winning the league championship 17 times is a huge achievement and tells you everything about the stature of this football club," he said.
The CAF Pro Licence previously coached in Zambia and Mozambique.
The former Chipolopolo trainer was on the books of Chiefs in the 1990s before he ventured into coaching.