Ephraim Kondowe says the confidence shown in him by head coach Wedson Nyirenda has inspired him to embrace the responsibility of leading the line for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets as he looks to repay that trust with goals and silverware.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets striker Ephraim Kondowe says he is embracing the responsibility that comes with leading the line for The People’s Team after earning the trust of head coach Wedson Nyirenda.
The 24-year-old struck twice in Saturday’s 2-0 FDH Bank Premiership victory over Creck Sporting Club to claim his first Player of the Match award of the season.
The brace took his tally to five goals this season, with four of those coming in his last three successive matches as The People’s Team continue to build momentum across their opening 10 matches in all competitions.
While pleased with his recent form, Kondowe insists his progress has been fuelled by hard work, continuous learning and the confidence shown in him by Nyirenda.
“I’m grateful to the coach for showing faith in me by giving me the full 90 minutes since he arrived.”
The forward believes a consistent run of matches has helped him build confidence and rhythm.
“Regular game time gives you the opportunity to score goals. You can’t score from the bench.”
The striker says he is determined to repay that trust by continuing to deliver in front of goal.
“I’ll continue working hard to repay the confidence the coach has shown in me by trusting me to lead the line as the number nine. As a striker, my responsibility is to score goals and I’ll keep pushing to score more.”
He credits much of his recent improvement to the guidance Nyirenda has given his forwards, particularly the importance of remaining composed in the final third.
“First and foremost, the credit goes to the coach. He’s always encouraging us to stay composed in the final third, and what you’re seeing now is a reflection of what he’s been teaching us on the training ground.”
Although delighted with his own performances, Kondowe believes Bullets’ recent improvement has come from the squad’s collective commitment to implementing the coach’s ideas.
“As players, we are working hard. This shows our unity and commitment, and we’re demonstrating what the coach is teaching us.
“We’ve listened, we’ve embraced his ideas and we’re executing them on the pitch. We’re optimistic we can continue performing well in the games ahead.”
For Kondowe, representing Bullets means embracing the expectations that come with playing for Malawi’s most successful club.
“This is FCB Nyasa Big Bullets. We believe we’re here to win trophies, especially the league. That’s who we are as a club.
“We’re a winning team and we have to keep working hard to maintain that winning culture.”
Saturday’s Player of the Match award was another milestone in Kondowe’s encouraging season, but he says individual recognition is secondary to helping the team achieve its objectives.
“This award encourages me to keep improving, both individually and as part of the team. We have to maintain this form because there are still many important matches ahead.”
The striker also thanked the Bullets faithful for their unwavering support and urged them to continue backing the team throughout the campaign.
“We need our supporters to continue standing with us regardless of the result. Their presence motivates us to work even harder on the pitch. Without them, we are nothing.
“Football has its ups and downs, but we want them to stay with us throughout the season.”
Bullets now turn their attention to Sunday’s Airtel Top 8 quarter-final second leg against Ekhaya FC at Mpira Stadium, where Nyirenda’s men will be looking to secure a place in the semi-finals.
