Malawi AFCON hero Mbulu promoted to sergeant

by Graeme Jackson

Thursday Apr 15, 2021. 14:04

The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has rewarded national team hero and Baroka FC striker Richard Mbulu by promoting him from the rank of corporal to sergeant.

The South African-based player made history for Malawi by scoring the key goal that secured their qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2010.

Mbulu scored a 15th-minute goal in the Flames’ 1-0 win over Uganda on March 29 in Lilongwe, with the result seeing them finish second behind Burkina Faso in Group B of the qualifiers and secure a ticket to Cameroon 2022.

2022 AFCON QUALIFIERS GROUP STANDINGS

MDF spokesperson Major Emmanuel Mlelemba confirmed that the promotion was in honour of Mbulu’s contribution toward the Nations Cup campaign.

“Mbulu was exemplary and has contributed a lot to the Flames to qualify for the AFCON finals,” he is quoted by the Nyasa Times.

Mlelemba added, “We are very happy with Mbulu’s performance. This was a national cause and management felt he deserved to be rewarded.”

The 27-year-old striker reportedly said he is “delighted” with the promotion and believes it is “an encouragement to continue working hard”.

Mbulu will be in DStv Premiership action today (Thursday 15 April) when Baroka FC host Kaizer Chiefs at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.