Blue Eagles’ Stuart Mbunge hangs up boots

Blue Eagles midfielder Stuart Mbunge has retired from active football.

Mbunge announced the news on Monday after a career spanning over nine years with Eagles.

“I have made this decision looking at my current form. It seems my body is now exhausted, hence the retirement. Let me take this opportunity to thank Blue Eagles management, technical panel and my fellow players for being together for over nine years.

’’I will be available to offer other services to the club if needed as one of the senior players. In the meantime, I will concentrate on my job as a police officer,’’ Mbunge wrote on his Facebook page.

The player is best remembered for scoring a stoppage time penalty that won the policemen their first and only Airtel Top 8 Cup title in 2018 after a 1-0 victory over Nyasa Big Bullets.

The referee awarded the penalty after Gilbert Chirwa was brought down in the box.

Mbunge took responsibility and sent the then-Bullets goalkeeper Ernest Kakhobwe the wrong way to spark wild scenes of celebration in the Area 30 side’s camp.

Eagles Coach Elia Kananji described Mbunge as a true leader on and off the pitch.

“He was a very disciplined player. His attitude was also good. He was ready to take heed of advice,” Kananji said.

Eagles Chairperson Alexander Ngwala said Mbunge was an important player to the team.

“We will miss him. He was very committed to the team as a player. His discipline was also unquestionable. He was one of our longest serving players and we wish him well,” Ngwala said.

Mbunge was also instrumental in helping Eagles lift the defunct Fisd Challenge Cup after a 4-3 win over Kamuzu Barracks on post-match penalties at Civo Stadium in 2019.

The midfielder joined Eagles from Chipiku Central Region Football Association Premier Division side Kasungu Police and established himself as one of the key players.