James Zizwa
Imagine a wild fire that is consuming everything in its path, that is Richard at the moment. After a 2019/20 season where Richard could for some reason not find the back of the net, he has started like an absolute whirlwind this season.
The Malawian number 9 has 3 goals in 2 games and is currently sitting at the top of the PSL top goal scorer charts while at the same time being Baroka FC’s leading goal provider this season having been trusted with 2 starts already.
The Mangochi born Malawian’s journey has been a tale of hard work, perseverance and seizing the moment when it comes. After Secondary school Richard decided to join the Army.
It was there where his talent became apparent and the Salima based Army side, MAFCO FC picked him to play in their first team. Under the instruction of Army professionals and a very strict and specialised team regime, Mbulu’s game began to flourish and in 2016 he scored 19 goals for MAFCO en route to becoming the TNM Super League’s top goal scorer beating veterans such as Chiukepo Msowoya and Peter Wadabwa to the Golden Boot.
His magnificent displays and excellent goal tally caught the eye of multiple scouts both locally and internationally. It didn’t come as a surprise then, when in January of 2017 Mbulu signed for the Mozambican club Costa do Sol for a transfer fee of 3.5 million kwacha.
He was then loaned to lower Portuguese division side Sanjoanense Sports Association side for a period of six months before returning to Costa do Sol in 2018. Multiple spectacular performances in Mozambique prompted his current club Baroka FC to sign him in 2019.
It’s now exciting to see that after a barren spell he has finally found his shooting boots again. The 26 year old has been pivotal in wins versus Amazulu and a most recent 3-1 demolition of Limpopo’s Black leopards where he claimed the first half brace, scoring his 1st goal as early as the 2nd minute before scoring again in the 45th.
It’ll be interesting to watch Richard Mbulu progression this season as we look forward to very exciting times for Malawian football with the likes of Gerald Phiri, Gabadinho Mhango, Limbikani Mzava and Richard setting the Dstv Premier Soccer League alight.
