Rising Striker Mwalilino Nets 17 Goals in Breakthrough Season
The Karonga native scored 11 goals, helping his club to a seventh-place finish in the TNM Super League.
KARONGA, Malawi - In his debut season with Karonga United, 23-year-old striker Blessings Mwalilino has emerged as one of Malawi's most promising football talents, scoring 17 goals across all competitions in the 2024 season, writes Lusekero Mhango.
The Karonga native scored 11 goals, helping his club to a seventh-place finish in the TNM Super League.
He added six more goals in domestic cup competitions, including four in the Castel Challenge Cup.
"What sets Mwalilino apart is his exceptional skillset and composure on the ball," said Greciam Mbewe, sports reporter at Tuntufye Radio.
"He's a player who can change the game with a single moment of brilliance."
Karonga United coach Oscar Kaunda praised Mwalilino's development while noting areas for improvement.
"He needs to work on his game intelligence and learn when to make a pass or shoot," Kaunda said.
Mwalilino, who joined from Northern Region Premier League side Iponga FC, follows in the footsteps of former Karonga United standouts Clement Nyondo and Antony Mfune, who advanced to bigger clubs in Malawi.
"I aim to become a professional footballer abroad," Mwalilino said.
"I must stay humble, work hard, and continue improving my game."
The striker's performances in cup competitions were particularly notable, scoring two goals in the FDH Bank Cup semifinals and four in the Castel Challenge Cup quarterfinals.
Sports analyst Walughano Lumbira expects Mwalilino's success to draw attention from larger clubs.
"When he gets the ball at his feet, he's difficult to stop," Lumbira said.
"Those qualities are not going unnoticed by big clubs in Malawi."