If only he had scored against rookies Bvumbwe Research on Saturday, Big Bullets teenage striker Gabadini Mhango would have walked out of Kamuzu Stadium as man-of-the-match.
But to say the teenager was wasteful would be an understatement. He simply was atrocious in front of goal as if he was yearning for best defensive record.
And what made it more painful for the Bullets fans was that the boy got everything right, save for scoring. He simply did not know when to go for personal glory or pass.
None of the players dribbled on the pitch, pressed, and worked better and harder. It was just the last touch and the selfishness that had the boy leaving the stadium with his face buried in his overturned jersey.
After the match, Bullets acting head coach Gerald Phiri pleaded for proper context in Mhango’s criticism.
“He did not play badly. People should understand that he is very young. He will become better. He just needs a little seriousness and composure,†he said about the pocket-sized striker who has wonderful skill.
Phiri started with a three-pronged attack comprising Mhango and a reunion of former MDC United strike partners, Grant Lungu and Heston Munthali.
Lungu created two for two-goal hero Henry Kabichi, one for Munthali while substitute Fundi Akidu scrambled in the last after Mayeso Mphanje had scored a consolation from the penalty spot.
On the former Escom striker and his MDC team mate, Munthali, Phiri felt the veteran goal poacher would solve striking problems.
“Today, we did not mind how we were to play. We just needed the win. We were struggling to score that is why I threw in three strikers. I think Heston’s experience will be pivotal in our campaign,†he said.
For young Mhango, Bullets’ impatient and hard-to-please fans can only hope he is on a learning curve. If he is, then Bullets have a real deal for the future.
