Zanaco Football Club teenage forward Eliya Mandanji has set himself a target of scoring at least 10 goals in the 2025/26 MTN Super League season after his heroics against Kabwe Warriors on Sunday.
The 17-year-old striker came off the bench to net a brace that powered the Bankers to a 3-2 victory at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka, a result that lifted Zanaco back to the top of the league with 14 points. They are two points clear of Nchanga Rangers, while Red Arrows and FC MUZA follow closely behind on 10 points each.
Mandanji, who is on loan from Kafue Celtic, replaced Araina Lambert in the 30th minute and made an immediate impact, taking his tally to three goals as at Week 6 of the MTN Super League season.
Nchanga Rangers striker leads the top scorers chart with four goals as Bornwell Mwape, Saddam Phiri and Mandanji follow behind with three goals each.
Speaking to the club’s media team after the match, Mandanji expressed his delight and outlined his personal ambitions.
“We have pushed very hard as a team and managed to score, but for me, my target as the youngest player in this team is to score more than 10 goals. My confidence is very high now because I’ve scored two goals, and this is only my second time coming into a game and scoring,” he said.
He added that his inspiration goes beyond football: “I feel happy and blessed because it is not by my will but by the will of the Father [God]. I have so much morale and confidence to do more for the coming games.”
Mandanji’s performance and confidence will be a major boost for Zanaco, who are setting the pace in the 2025/26 MTN Super League season.
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