Last season, Red Arrows striker Ricky Banda had a fantastic season, winning the Golden Boot award after scoring 16 goals and being named Player of the Year.
The 22-year-old’s goals were key in ensuring the Red Arrows won the MTN Super League last season.
It also earned him a call-up to the national team for the COSAFA Championship, which the Chipolopolo boys won in 2022.
However, things have not gone swimmingly this season; the Airmen forward has failed to replicate his performance, scoring only four goals.
Banda has described the 2022-23 season as difficult because he was out mostly due to injuries.
“As a player for me, it has been a difficult season, because I have been let down by the injury that I sustained,” the strike said on ZNBC Radio 4. “And this is when I’m trying to bring back last season’s form, as you see now I have started scoring and I thank God for the goals.”
Banda vowed not to give up despite the negative criticism from fans.
“I will not stop pushing as a striker. For me, I know people will say, I’m not scoring, but it’s just time.”
Banda plots to bounce back stronger
The former Jumulo FC striker added that he was working hard in order to get back to his best.
“With the help of my teammates who are pushing me, I think I will be able to get back to my best. I am not worried I just have to keep on pushing,” he said. “My target was to score six goals this season….. But we only have one game remaining, we will wait and see.”
He has promised to work hard and come back stronger next season.
“I will push so hard and bring back my top scorers award,” Banda confidently said. “And I just want my fans to continue supporting and believing in me. I thank them for their support.”
READ ALSO: City of Lusaka coach plots to upset Maite and Mutondo
Banda arrived at Nkoloma from the National League side, Jumulo FC, and was tipped to succeed at the club.
The Airmen have equally struggled this season and currently placed ninth in the league standings with 47 points. They will host Power Dynamos in their last game of the season.
