TNM Super League current top goal scorer Mafco striker Richard Mbulu’s exploits have attracted the interest of South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) newly-promoted outfit Baroka FC.
The club’s chairperson Kharushi Mphahlele confirmed in an interview with The Nation on Tuesday that they were eyeing the Mafco striker.
“Yes, we are interested in the player. We have someone who is monitoring him in Malawi. We [are] still talking to the player,” said Mphahlele in a telephone interview.
South African agent Tebogo Ramasilo, who is facilitating the deal, said he is confident that Mbulu can make it.
“I will be visiting Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Namibia to scout talent. But in your country I have seen talent in Mbulu. Negotiations with his team Mafco are still underway,” said Ramasilo.
The 22-year-old has scored 11 goals in 16 league games. He also won the golden boot in the just ended 2016 Presidential Cup with 17 goals.
Mbulu is excited about trying his luck in the rainbow nation.
“I am more than ready to play in South Africa. People will know Mbulu. I am just waiting from my bosses to give me a go ahead,” said Mbulu.
Mafco chairperson Overton Ng’oma said they received communication from Tebogo on Mbulu.
“As of now everything is in the hands of our bosses,” said Ng’oma.
But Malawi Defence Force spokesperson Paul Chiphwanya said he has not heard anything from Mafco.
Baroka FC is based in Ga-Mphahlele near Polokwane in Limpopo that plays in the Premier Soccer League.
Popularly known as Bakgaga, Baroka rose to prominence in 2011 by reaching the semi-final of the 2011 Nedbank Cup, defeating several PSL sides like Moroka Swallows and Kaizer Chiefs along the way.
The team also managed to win the 2010–11 Vodacom League Limpopo division, but subsequently fell short at the play-off stage, to win the aspired promotion for National First Division.
In their debut season in the National First Division they came close to gaining promotion play-offs to the Premier Soccer League, but fell short on goal difference on the last day with a 1–1 draw against Thanda Royal Zulu.
The team has just won the pre-season tournament beating Chiefs 3-0 in FAM Cup. PSL will kick off in the next two weeks. n
