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Golden gloves for Malawi U-17 goalkeeper

Malawi Under-17 national team goalkeeper Kennedy Nankhaima’s superb display at the just ended Cosafa Youth Championship in Mauritius, has landed him the Golden Gloves award.

Nankhaima’s sheer quality shone like a flair at the regional youth showpiece, where he was the only goalminder to complete the group stages without conceding a goal.

Nankhaima shows off his trophy

He was honoured for his impeccable consistency alongside other outstanding players during a reception held in Port Louis on Sunday evening.

Speaking in an interview from Port Louis yesterday morning, Nankhaima, who turns 16 later this year, said he was excited to win an award in his first international tournament.

“It is not all the time that one gets to win an award in his or her first international tournament. So, I am really happy.

“Credit should go to my team-mates though, who provided a shield for me, especially the defence because had they been porous, I probably wouldn’t have won it,” he said.

Asked on what inspires him, Nankhaima said: “I know that my position is critical in the team, so I always ensure that I am on top of my game.”

He plays for Blantyre Reserves in the FMB Under-20 League and his career started in 2010 with an Under-12 team in Blantyre’s Chirimba Township.

Junior Flames assistant coach Peter Mponda said Nankhaima deserved the award.

“We were all not surprised when his name was mentioned because he stood head and shoulders above the rest of the goalkeepers.

“He has a bright future if he can maintain his discipline and level of commitment. He always gives out his best,” he said.

Malawi, who finished third, conceded the least number of goals at the tournament—three. They won four and lost one game.

Lameck Banda, Martin Njobvu (Zambia) and Junior Nare (South Africa), shared the Golden Boot Award with five goals apiece.

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