Nyasa Big Bullets veteran winger Fischer ‘Jahman’ Kondowe says it is too early to praise his youthful teammate Peter Banda for his football talent.
He said praises have the potential to ruin his career.
The longest-serving player in the elite league made the statement yesterday, contrary to what his purportedly Facebook account message alleged that the 19-year-old, is an extraordinary talent.
Banda was named Man-of-the-Match when Bullets thrashed Mlatho Mponela 3-0 in the TNM Super League encounter at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Sunday,
“As a veteran football player, I believe it is not good to burden up-and-coming stars such as Banda with praises as early as the first season of their soccer careers in the topflight league because that kills their zeal to work hard and further improve their performance,” he said.
“I am really disturbed with what the fake account has stated as that has the potential to tarnish my image.
“I do not know how I can make people understand that that account is not mine. I will do my best to track down whosoever is behind it.”
The fake account, which has a picture of Banda receiving his accolade from TNM head of marketing Sobhuza Ngwenya, stated: “Kumadya [being on]
the bench because of this talent is understandable…the boy is talented. He is in the same WhatsApp group with Gaba [Gabadinho Mhango]. Talent like this kusowa matsiku ano [Such talent is rare]”.
On his part, Banda, whose father the late Chikondi Banda was Kondowe’s team-mate at Bullets and the senior national football team, said he is still learning the ropes to become a star.
“I respect Kondowe as he always gives me good pieces of advice on how I can improve my game. When I play well, he does not shower me with praises, but tells me to pull up my socks. He always wants me to be a better player,” he said.
