FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Peter Mponda has praised Hassan Kajoke’s recent resurgence but insists the striker is still working his way back to full form—and must continue pushing to cement his place in a competitive squad.
Kajoke has netted in back-to-back games since returning to the team following a spell on the sidelines. He was on target in our 2-0 TNM Super League win over Mighty Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium on 15 June, and again in Saturday night’s 2-1 Airtel Top 8 semifinal victory over Karonga United at Bingu National Stadium.
Ahead of Wednesday’s Super League fixture against Moyale Barracks, Mponda acknowledged the striker’s efforts but said there is still more to come from the 27-year-old.
“We’re still demanding more, even though he has given us those two goals,” said Mponda.
“Babatunde [Adepoju] has been scoring, Maxwell Phodo has also been doing the work for the team, and even Ephraim—though he’s not getting much game time—delivers whenever he’s called upon.
Hassan has realised that there’s competition in the team and that he has to work to earn his position. That’s why we’re saying he’s coming right. There’s still a long way to go to get the Hassan we used to know, but he’s showing promise and I’m very happy with how he’s doing.”
Promoted to the senior team in 2018, Kajoke has scored over 70 goals in all competitions for The People’s Team. This season, he has found the net three times in seven appearances.
Fitness Updates on Musonda and Henderson
During the same pre-match press briefing, Mponda was also asked to comment on the status of new defensive signings Dominic Musonda and Chikumbutso Henderson, who are yet to make their competitive debuts for the club.
“Dominic is very close, though he’s maybe two or three games away. Right now, he can give us 45 minutes. We’re still working on his fitness. At the back, the guys have been solid, so yes—he’s knocking—but he still has to work hard to dislodge the players currently doing the job.”
On Henderson, the head coach emphasised patience as the experienced defender continues working on his fitness.
“Chikumbutso, in terms of fitness, is still very far. But I believe there will be games where we’ll need his experience and aerial presence. We shouldn’t put too much pressure on him to come back too early. He still has time to get ready.”
With Kajoke regaining form and more squad options working toward full fitness, Mponda will be encouraged by the depth gradually returning to his side ahead of a demanding stretch of fixtures.
