Zambian Augustine Mulenga happy with Soweto derby debut

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Wednesday Mar 07, 2018. 16:30

After making his first appearance as an Orlando Pirates player, Zambian international midfielder Augustine Mulenga has expressed his delight.

The midfielder joined the Buccaneers from Zambian Super League side Zanaco FC and came on as a substitute in the Soweto derby against rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

Mulenga was introduced in the dying stages of the encounter and replaced his fellow countryman Justin Shonga as they bagged a 3-1 win on Saturday.

“When I came to this Club I said I wanted to test myself and what better way than to start that test in a Soweto Derby?,” he said to the club website.

“All over the world people have an interest in this game, and in Africa, ours is one of the biggest.

“I’m very happy with my contribution, and to have such a positive start and good reaction from the crowd gives me confidence to keep working hard to show myself even more.”

The 27-year-old thanked the technical team led by Milutin Sredojevic, his teammates and the medical team for mentally preparing him for the clash.

“I have to give thanks to the medical team and physios for getting me up to speed, and also importantly to the coaches for the opportunity and the trust they showed in me,” he added.

"Before I came on, the coach told me that I needed to keep it simple and manage the game.

"My role was to help the team with killing off the game in the final 10 minutes and if I find a gap to create a scoring opportunity then it’s a bonus for us

“My coaches and teammates played a big role in making me mentally ready for this game because it’s not just about the result on the field but the energy and mood of the country as a whole.” CLICK HERE TO VISIT AFRICAN FOOTBALL ZAMBIA