He is not Patrick Mwaungulu, with his ability to think twice as fast as his opponent. He is not Chikumbutso Salima, who, at his age, still has time to perfect his trickery. Misheck Billiat, however, is carving out his own identity. He is raw, aggressive and willing to take risks. And he has the confidence to become everything he believes he can be.
When Masters Football Club proved difficult to break down, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Coach Wedson Nyirenda threw everything at his disposal into the game in search of a winner.
Bullets took the lead in the first half through Clever Kalambo’s close-range finish, assisted by Billiat. But the advantage, like a WhatsApp status, lasted barely a minute. Frank Sanudi responded with a powerful finish, getting on the end of a through ball from Hassan Kajoke to level the score.
In the second half, Masters coach Peter Mponda made key adjustments, tightening his midfield by introducing Vincent Mark, who complemented Raffick Namwera, while Stimera Muyira orchestrated the attack.
For the first time in the match, Masters began to trouble Bullets, stretching their midfield and finding pockets of space. Up front, Mponda also ensured that Hastings Ndau exploited the gaps left by Yamikani Mologeni’s frequent forward runs.
That spell of pressure, however, did not produce enough. Kajoke missed what was arguably Masters’ best chance of the afternoon, while Ndau and others also failed to make their opportunities count.
Bullets needed something special. Tinaye Tshimba, Paul Master, Madalitso Safuli and George Chaomba were introduced to inject fresh energy into the tiring Bullets, but the changes did little to alter the course of the game.
Tshimba showed occasional flashes of brilliance, but this was not his afternoon. Master did confirm why he deserves a starting berth after calling the Masters storm. But none of his efforts could provide the moment Bullets fans paid at the gate and needed to silence their former players and coach.
That moment belonged to Misheck Billiat. Yes, he has played in some games. A goal here, an assist there. But this was the afternoon the young man announced himself and somehow wrote his name into Bullets folklore.
After a few hesitant attempts to take on his markers, Billiat produced his defining moment in the 63rd minute. He won possession almost 10 metres inside Masters’ half and immediately took off.
Like a flash flood, he surged forward, leaving experienced Masters defenders, including Precious Sambani, kissing the ground. Before anyone could fully comprehend what was unfolding, Billiat had unleashed a thunderous shot that could knock down a floor of the Chayamba building.
Next, the stadium saw Masters goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba on the ground as the ball bounced into the net. It was 2-1 to Bullets.
They held their nerve for the rest of the match to secure a league double over Masters, a collection of experienced players who have resuscitated the Masters brand.
If Bullets supporters were known for composing songs for their heroes, you would expect a new one to be in the making by next weekend. Because on Sunday, at Bingu National Stadium, a new star was born with a strong claim to the white and red colours on Bullets’ right wing. And his name is Misheck Billiat.
