In the recent past, Zambian football has struggled with natural left backs with the national team forced to use a makeshift left back in Rodrick Kabwe.
But a young exciting talent seems to be emerging and with discipline and continued development maybe, just maybe could be the answer in future.
Mighty Mufulira Wanderers left back Mathews Banda is one of the most promising players in the MTN Super League at the moment.
The 21-year-old has had a promising start to life in the League and is one player to look out for.
Mathews Banda also known as GAZA was born in a family of 8 and his number 5 in the family. He started his footballing career at the age of 7 like most kids do playing in the street where he mastered the art and started to improve.
His father Mr Friday Banda who is now late (M.H.S.R.I.P) saw something in him at an early age and started to push and encourage him as a young footballer.
Like many parents would do Mathews Banda was encouraged to pursue both Education and football, during his school days Mr. Chikwasha played a very instrumental role in his development as a footballer overseeing his development as he went on to represent Lusaka in the Coca-Cola schools tournament.
It’s from that experience that gave him confidence to join Chongwe United under the watchful eye of Eddson Phiri where he spent one year before moving to Lusaka to Join Red Arrows under 19 which was under the care of Boyd Simutowe and Lenson Sinkala.
Matthews Banda was playing as a midfielder at this stage of his career it was Boyd Simutowe who converted him into a left back which has proved to be a good decision.
During his time at Red Arrows U-19, he managed to win the U19 league title with the Young Airmen.
Mathews Banda in search of first-team football and more football development then moved to Sable Bulls which happens to be his parent club currently.
Sable later loaned him to young Zanaco and quickly got the opportunity to train with Zanaco’s senior team which helped him develop from a boy to a man with intensive training programs.
After being left out of pre-season in preparation for the 2023/2024 season Kennedy Kalale Zanaco’s goalkeeping coach kept encouraging him and told him to keep his head up high.
Like they say when one door closes another one opens, Mathews Banda soon after got an opportunity to train with Mighty Mufulira wanderers and impressed the coaches, Justin Chinama, Charles Kafula, and Harrison Tembo leading to the club signing him.
He made his Mighty Mufulira Wanderers debut in a 1-1 draw with Zesco United at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Matthews Banda has been settling in very well in Mufulira and living his dream of playing in the Super League.
He has so far played 6 games in the league with 2 wins to his name, 3 draws, and 1 defeat.
During these 6 games, mighty Mufulira Wanderers have managed to keep two clean sheets against Red Arrows Football Club and Zanaco Football Club, the two teams he represented at the Youth level.
Mathews Banda is technically gifted with a sweet left foot, and very good with set pieces.
His height and physicality also helps him in one-on-one situations, and his ability to join the attack and provide width like his role model Alfonso Davies makes him a modern fullback.
Matthews Banda who is loving his time in Mufulira and the fans is surely one player to look out for.
By Augustine Mwanza
