By Lusekero Mhango
Silver strikers is seen as a sleeping giant of the Malawi football by many.
Despite boosting riches due to being bankrolled by the Reserve Bank of Malawi, the Lilongwe based giants have somewhat underperformed, thus having failed to reach the heights expected by its fans and the football watching public in the recent seasons.
Since lifting the TNM Super League title in 2014 the Central Bankers have played second fiddle to the two based Blantyre giants Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Wonderers who have dominated the domestic honors, with Silver’s recent successes coming only in cup competitions throughout the past seven years.
However, under the stewardship of new man Daniel Kabwe the capital city giants look set to write the wrongs of the past seven drought season as they hold a nine points lead at the summit of the TNM Super League at the half way stage.
Apart from Kabwe’s influence, one of the marksman leading Silver’s title charge is Maxwell Gasten the current league top goal-scorer who has banged in 10 goals so far.
A product of the famed Dedza Soccer Saints, Gasten who has coined the nickname Phodo has been electric as his talents has got fans and pundits a like excited about his potential.
Crink Mahilas who has seen phodo’s talent at an early age, says he is not surprised with the impact that Gasten has made in the super league.
Gasten dribbling with the ball as he is surrounded by two players
“I have known Phodo since he was 13 years of age in an under 14 Bonanza and one of the condition was that a player should shoot from far to see if that lad is not older.
“When his turn came, the small silky Phodo hit a thunderbolt which amazed us the Bonanza organizers and we started thinking that he was overage till we got verification form the parents that he was actually 13.” he says.
According to Fillix Joseph Kolowa who manages the starlet, Gasten has the world at his feet if he continues with his rise.
“Phodo’s skillset and his dribbling abilities are his biggest strength and defenders hate that hence he has a frightening potential in the game.” he says.
Meanwhile Silver Strikers head coach Daniel Kabwe who describes Phodo as a calm and a relaxed individual, says the starlet has a big future in the game if he continues to learn and work hard.
“As young players they will always have ups and downs in their development but continued hard work and listening to the advice of coaches will always pay the desired fruits in realizing the full potential of these young lads.” Kabwe articulated.
As for Gasten himself who’s idols include Joseph Kamwendo and Fischer Kondowe, says his ambition is to become one of the best players Malawi has ever seen.
“I would love to become a professional footballer that is my dream and as for this season my ambition is to help the Central Bankers lift the long awaited league title and other domestic cups.” he says.
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