Mike Mkwate has shared his elation after hitting the back of the net and witnessing fans cheer his first goal since returning from a long injury layoff.
The midfielder spent nearly two years recovering from a severe tibiofibular fracture suffered in 2023.
Now seven matches into the new campaign, Mkwate opened the scoring for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in our 3-0 victory over Chitipa United in the TNM Super League at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday.
Looking back on his victorious comeback, the 27-year-old described the joy of finally scoring again after such a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
“I was anxious to score and wanted to dedicate that goal to everyone who stood by me during those difficult times. Honestly, it was incredible to watch the supporters celebrate a goal I managed to score two years after being out. It was such an emotional moment,” he told the club media.
“It’s taken a long time to reach this point, and it means everything to give our fans a reason to celebrate, especially since their faith in me has never wavered. That goal was a vivid reminder of just how much they love me and this team.”
Reflecting on his road to recovery, Mkwate admitted that overcoming his injury fears has been a challenging journey, but he remains focused on regaining peak performance.
“It hasn’t been easy—sometimes, even as I run on the pitch, a part of me still fears getting hurt again. But once I’m on the ball, all that anxiety disappears, and I just concentrate on the game, knowing I’m okay. That feeling is what drives me now,” he emphasized. “I want to get back to my best level. I know what I can do, and I’m confident that soon Mike Mkwate will be playing at his highest standard again.”
With another important match against Kamuzu Barracks coming up on Saturday as the 2025 season unfolds, the midfielder is hopeful Bullets will maintain the strong run, declaring, “Bullets don’t stumble twice.”
“Last season tested us—we lost three of the four trophies we’d clinched the previous year. But that’s all in the past—now, our focus is sharper than ever. We’ve started this season well, and we’re determined to sustain that momentum without taking any opponent lightly. As a group, we’re committed to staying disciplined and avoiding complacency as we work to restore our winning legacy.”
This season, Mkwate has featured in matches against Creck Sporting Club (twice), Songwe Border United, and Chitipa United, already putting his mark on his return with both a goal and an assist.
