Our loanees continue to build up their minutes in the TNM Super League as seven out of eight of them played full games at the weekend.
Chikumbutso Salima
The winger, who turns 20 in December, has been the most impressive Bullets player on loan so far and on Sunday he put up an outstanding performance for Bangwe All Stars when they drew 1-1 against Blue Eagles at the Mulanje Park.
Upon receiving a fine pass from Emmanuel Saviel, another Bullets loanee at Bangwe, Salima put the TNM Super League rookies ahead six minutes into the second half of Sunday’s match. His strike, the second for him in top-flight football, could have grabbed the first win for Bangwe but Blue Eagles levelled the scoreline 14 minutes later and went on to salvage a point away from home.
Nonetheless, Salima’s mesmerising performance did not go unnoticed as he was voted Man of the Match in the end. This is the second time, in the three games Bangwe All Stars have played so far, Salima has earned the individual accolade, netting two goals in three matches. Should he keep on doing what he is doing right now it is for sure that he is braced for a fruitful loan spell at Bangwe All Stars.
Mphatso Magaleta
The midfielder has instantly made himself a regular for Ekwendeni Hammers as he has been involved in every match they have played so far.
On Saturday he made a return to his home city to face league leaders, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium and although his side lost 2-1, Magaleta was bright throughout the contest.
Speaking to Wa Ganyu after the tie, the midfielder vowed to work hard for game time hoping to return to The People’s Team a better player at the end of the season.
Rahaman Julius John
After warming the bench against Mighty Tigers last week, the goalkeeper returned in goals for Bangwe All Stars when they hosted Blue Eagles. Despite being unable to keep a clean sheet, Rahaman had a fine Sunday afternoon at Mulanje Park as he denied Blue Eagles with a couple of vital saves.
Facing competition from former Bullets and Flames goalie Ernest Kakhobwe, Rahaman has managed to play in two of the three games Mabvuto Lungu’s side has played this season.
Emmanuel Saviel
The last season’s Bullets Reserves’ top goal scorer is yet to score a TNM Super League goal but his ability to keep the ball and his impressive pressing game have seen him starting all three opening games for his home town club.
His quest to open his account continues, but on Sunday against Blue Eagles, he laid his mark with an assist and hopefully, it will do him a lot of good in his pursuit of a goal.
Felix Demakude
Although he had limited involvement in Ekwendeni Hammers’ last two games, the midfielder lasted the full match against Mighty Mukuru Wanderers at the Kamuzu Stadium.
Playing out of his natural role, Demakude fared well as a makeshift winger although he was on the losing side. Having that experience on Sunday, the midfielder will hope to get more playing time in the upcoming fixtures for the Hammers.
White Kitsen
Just like Demakude, White Kitsen also played his first full 90 minutes for Ekwendeni against Wanderers. Regardless of the result, the defender, who also spent last season at relegated Sable Farming on loan, put up a resolute rearguard action on Saturday at the home stadium for his parent club, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
Yamikani Mologeni
Seamlessly, the right-back has made himself an automatic pick for Lungu in his starting XI, and on Sunday he also started and lasted the tie against Blue Eagles.
Voted Man of the Match against Mighty Tigers last weekend, Mologeni is showing remarkable consistency with his performances and looks set for more action in top-flight football.
Absentees
As others were in action, creative midfielder Chimwemwe Yassin’s struggle for game time continues at Bangwe All Stars as he did not make it on the bench against Blue Eagles.
