Nyirenda attacks Dedza pitch after 0-0 FDH Bank Premiership draw

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets were held to a 0-0 draw by Luanar Mitundu in the FDH Bank Premiership on Sunday, leaving the defending champions fourth with 27 points from 14 matches. The result leaves them four points behind the league leaders and keeps the title race open.

Bullets coach Wedson Nyirenda blamed the Dedza Stadium surface for making it difficult for his team to produce a decisive finish. He said the pitch was not suitable for top-flight football and questioned whether it was fit to host a Premiership fixture.

The champions controlled large periods of the match but could not turn their territorial advantage into a goal. Luanar remained organised and resisted the pressure, while Bullets were left frustrated by their failure to take the chances that came their way.

The stalemate extended Bullets’ run of consecutive clean sheets to three. Their defensive record has been a strong feature of the season, but their inability to score against Luanar added to scrutiny of the team’s attacking performance.

Concerns about Dedza Stadium are not new. The venue has hosted FDH Bank Premiership matches in recent seasons, although its playing surface has drawn criticism over uneven turf and drainage problems that can affect how the ball moves and create difficult conditions for players.

The use of provincial stadiums has grown as Malawi’s top-flight clubs take matches beyond the traditional football centres of Blantyre and Lilongwe. Nyirenda’s remarks have again raised questions about the standards required for venues to host Premiership games.

The Football Association of Malawi and the Super League of Malawi, which oversee venue approval and competition standards, had not issued a response to the coach’s criticism. Bullets remain within reach of the leaders, but Sunday’s dropped points reduced their opportunity to close the gap as the first round approaches its later stages.