Mbulu surpasses last season’s top scorers
Mafco FC ‘sniper’ Richard Mbulu is just two goals shy of breaking top scorer’s record in the TNM-spnsored Super League.
The prolific forward who scored a hat-trick in his team’s 3-1 win over Karonga United on Sunday, has taken his tally to 17 goals—three more than last season’s joint Golden Boot Award winners—Innocent Bokosi and Chiukepo Msowoya.
According to the league’s statistics, which were confirmed by fixtures secretary Patrick Chisale, no striker has surpassed the 18-goal mark since TNM took over sponsorship of the top-flight league in 2006.
“My target is to score 20 goals and even more. With eight games left, I believe it is a realistic target.
“I will just be taking each game as it comes,” said the Portugal-bound forward.
Mbulu is currently four goals clear of Msowoya who comes second while Be Forward Wanderers’ Peter Wadabwa and Kamuzu Barracks’ Manasseh Chiyesa are tied on 13 goals.
He has averaged 0.77 goals per game.
Asked if he thinks his current rich vein of form will boost his chances of Flames’ consideration, Mbulu said: “I believe so. But then national team selection goes with the coach’s plan. If you do not feature in his or her plans, then that’s it. But I will keep on working hard.”
Former Nyasa Big Bullets forward Ganizani Malunga, who boasts a record of 29 goals in the 2002/03 season, said he believes Mbulu will hit his target of 20 goals.
“He has all the absolute essentials of a complete striker—his timing, pace and positioning. Over and above that, he is good both in the air and on the ground, which is rare these days,” he said.
According to Sulom records, three players—Tony Chitsulo (2009), Ishmael Thindwa (2011/12) and Vincent Chinthenga (2012/13)—won the Golden Boot Award with 18 goals while the other winners scored less. n
