National Sports

Malunga dares local strikers on goal-scoring record

Former Nyasa Big Bullets and Flames striker Ganizani ‘Njoka’ Malunga says it is a pity that local forwards are failing to beat the goal-scoring record he set 18 years ago.

During the 2002/2003 Super League season, Malunga then starring for the People’s Team, scored 28 goals.

Won the golden boot with 21 goals: Kajoke

In an interview from his Cape Town base in South Africa on Thursday, he said it is a pity that 18 years down the line, his record still stands.

Malunga said: “It speaks volumes about lack of creativity among the current crop of strikers.

“My son was born around that time and also has a son, but my record remains intact.

“I challenge the current crop of strikers to pull up their socks.” 

He said current strikers lack vital attributes of a striker.

Malunga said: “Among others, they lack resilience, consistency, hard-working spirit and creativity. Positioning is also key.

“Strikers need to train on their own to polish up on their weaknesses.

“The other thing is that there could be good strikers, but they don’t get good services. So, there could be a number of contributing factors.”

On a lighter note, Malunga who now plays for a social team in Cape Town, said even if he resumed active football, he would still win the golden boot.

Flames’ all-time leading scorer Kinnah Phiri also said the current crop of strikers are not creative.

“They lack techniques such as taking on defenders and positioning. These are the things they should be practising everytime, but it would appear they do not have interest,” he said.

Phiri scored 71 goals in 117 matches for the Flames during his distinguished career.

Bullets’ Hassan Kajoke won the golden boot for the 2020/21 TNM Super League season while the one who came close  close to breaking Malunga’s record was Aggrey Kanyenda, who scored 26 goals during the 2005/06 season while with Mighty Wanderers.

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