Kabwe Warriors midfielder Tryson Banda wants to play as many games as possible after joining the club from Atletico Lusaka.
The 18-year-old, who was part of Atletico Lusaka’s promotion to the MTN Super League, signed a two-year permanent contract with Warriors during the just-ended transfer window and has made three appearances for the Numba Mumamba-coached team.
In an exclusive interview, Banda expressed his delight at joining Kabwe Warriors, adding that he is working hard to cement his place in the squad and help the team achieve their season goals.
“God has been the center of my career, and he made it possible for me to join such a great team as Kabwe Warriors,” he said. “This is a big team that has existed for a very long time, and so being part of this project gives me an ecstatic feeling.
“Because of this opportunity, I will work extra hard and ensure that the fans are given a thrilling season. From the time I arrived, everyone who is involved in game preparation gave me the zeal to play at my best and help the team get the best possible results; the mentality here is that of a true warrior without a doubt.”
Banda reveals targets at Kabwe Warriors
The young midfielder, who is also part of the Under-20 squad preparing for the 2024 COSAFA U20 Championship set to kick off this Thursday, said that one of his targets with Kabwe Warriors is to play in the CAF interclub competitions.
“Our target as a team this season is to win as many games as possible so that we compete at the continental stage and possibly win the Zambia Premier League,” he said.
“My personal target is to maintain my fitness levels; once that is done, my performance will be consistent. Furthermore, I target to always work on my mistakes at all times and take in criticism and accept to build from there.”
His coach, Mumamba, is one of the Super League coaches who has shown trust in young players, and Banda talks about coping with the pressure of playing with veteran players like Kabaso Chongo and other senior players on the big stage.
“I must admit it’s not easy because Kabwe Warriors is a very big team, which has a big fan base. As a result, the demand to perform is quite high. All my life I have dreamt of doing what I am doing now, and whenever I step on the pitch, I always enjoy it, and people notice me because I enjoy what I do.
“The coaches and my fellow players are also making it very easy for us to cope with the demands. We are a team that is united and very hard to beat, especially at our home base,” concluded
The budding midfielder, who comes from a Christian-believing household, has also demonstrated a strong belief in God, stating, “My belief about football is that once you put God first and you enjoy playing football, nothing will stop you from shining.”