Nkhoma scores in all cup final matches
FCB Nyasa Bullets attacker Lanjesi Nkhoma has scaled new heights by becoming the first player in over two decades to score in all cup final matches in the just-ended season.
He set the pace by scoring a brace against Mafco FC in the final of the Pachema FDH Bank Cup which the People’s Team won 3-0.
The 21-year-old also scored a goal in the Ibongetse Castel Challenge Cup final against Silver which ended one-all in regulation time and his team went on to win in post-match penalties.
Nkhoma then capped it all by scoring both goals in Saturday’s 2-1 Zamadolo Airtel Top 8 triumph over Mafco.
The winger also won the Airtel Top 8 golden boot with three goals and was second top scorer in the 2023 TNM Super League season with 14 goals, two short of Clement Nyondo of Dedza Dynamos.
In an interview, Nkhoma said he is excited to have scored in all cup finals.
“I think it is rare to achieve that and it is all about hard work and taking the coaches’ instructions to the full,” he said.
Bullets legend Kinnah Phiri, who is the Flames’ all-time leading scorer, said Nkhoma has all attributes of a top striker.
He said: “I don’t rermember the last time a striker scored in all cup finals and I achieved that feat way back in the 1970s. It just shows that it is not a mean feat.
“He mostly operates from the wings so one wouldn’t really expect him to score as many goals as he does. So, it speaks volumes about his ability and talent.
“I have watched him play on so many occasions and I believe he has a bright future if he can look after himself properly.”
Bullets Reserves coach Enos Chatama, who spotted the winger while playing for second-tier ThumbsUp Southern Region Football Association Premier Division side Ciso FC, said Nkhoma has bright prospects.
He said: “He perfomed beyond expectations and finished as second leading scorer to Royal Bokosi of Red Lions with 20 goals. That is when I recommended him to the main team coach [Kallisto] Pasuwa.
“Lanjesi is a player who takes instructions and is always eager to learn. He is so talented and I expect him to achieve more.”
