Peter Banda in winning debut
Malawi National Football Team talented attacker Peter Banda finally made his debut for Moldovan side FC Sheriff Tiraspol on Saturday night when he came on as a second-half substitute.
Banda’s compatriot Charles Petro played the entire 90 minutes as a defending midfielder.
The debut will be memorable for Banda as Sheriff defeated FC Sfintul Gheorghe 4-1 in a Moldova National Division match.
The youngster was his usual self on the night, with some flashes of brilliance that are likely to give him hope of a place in the first 11.
“I am very happy that my team came out victorious in my first match. I am now working hard to prove that I deserve a place in the starting line-up. This is a different league. They are quick on the ball and spaces are quickly closed down with a lot of pressing,” the former Nyasa Big Bullets star said.
Banda, son to Bullets legend the late Chikondi Banda, joined the Moldovan League champions on a six-month loan deal from Bullets with an option to make the move permanent.
The 2019 TNM Super League footballer of the season said he was still adapting to weather conditions in the East European country.
“I just need to play two or three matches then I will start enjoying the game just as I was doing at Bullets. The team’s style of play is not difficult to adapt to. I have understood how they defend and attack here and I will settle down quickly,” he said.
Banda’s uncle, Griffin Saenda Junior, who is also his manager, said he was excited with the youngster’s exploits.
“Things are now looking good. What remains is for him to fight for a place in the first team,” he added.
Following the win, Sheriff maintained top spot with 58 points from 21 matches, nine points above second-placed CS Petrocub.
