Flames all-time top scorer Kinnah Phiri says it could take half a century or more for his record to be broken because modern day players lack commitment and passion.
The former Flames and Bata Bullets talisman scored 71 goals in 113 appearances for the Malawi National Football Team and since his retirement in 1981, 44 years to be precise, he remains the all-time top scorer.
another 50 years.
Ironically, apart from Frank Gabadinho Mhango, those who feature in the top 10 have since retired.
Mhango, has 18 goals from 71 games, 53 goals behind Kinnah’s tally.
Said Kinnah: “I don’t see anyone overtaking me because in the top 10, the only one who is still playing for the national team is Gaba and with more than 50 goals behind, I very much doubt if he can do it.
“As for the upcoming players, they lack hunger, passion, dedication and discipline to reach the levels we reached because their focus is on money.
“So, it will take probably more than 50 years to break my record. I am not trying to be boastful, but that is just the reality.”
In a separate interview yesterday, Mhango was skeptical on whether he can beat the record or, at least overtake the joint second leading scorers Lawrence Waya (132 games) and Frank Sinalo (75 games), who have 28 goals apiece.
He said: “The record set by Kinnah is massive, but it is all about self-belief, I can do it.
“But having said that, I have not set a specific scoring target for myself, suffice to say I try as much as I can to score in every game.”
Stock Dandize, who partnered Kinnah upfront when the Flames won the East and Central Africa Senior Challenge Cup back-to-back in 1978 and 1979 comes fourth with 23 goals from 70 appearances.
Esau Kanyenda (72), Chiukepo Msowoya (72) and Yason Osman are tied on 22 goals while Peterkins Kayira (68) and Mhango are on 18 goals while Bartnett Gondwe, completes the top 10 list with 17 goals from 66 appearances.
