KAIZER Chiefs and Zambian legend Collins “Ntofontofo” Mbesuma is appealing to Black Leopards head coach Luc Eymael not to lose faith in his struggling striker Mwape Musonda.
The Zambian international ended last season as the Absa Premiership leading goal scorer lifting the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot after netting 16 goals.
However, this season Mbesuma’s compatriot is enduring a bad run having scored only two goals.
Eymael is concerned about the 29-year-old’s form as he is missing many easy scoring chances.
He reckons Musonda should have scored more than five goals since he took over the helm at Lidoda Duvha at the end of September.
“Musonda is still one of the best strikers in PSL,” said Mbesuma who is well known as a scoring machine in Mzanzi.
“I am not just saying this because Musonda is my homeboy and I am defending him. All he needs to do is to stay calm and work harder. At this stage, Musonda needs the support of his coach and for the coach to believe in him. This will help to bring back his confidence.”
Mbesuma added that he has been through this phase before in my career but never panicked.
“I kept working hard and getting support from my coach and teammates. Musonda will turn the corner soon,” said the strong-as-ox striker.
“Remember last season he also started slowly and ended up as leading goal scorer. I am not saying he will win Golden Boot again, but it is possible as there are still lots of games to play.”
Last season, Musonda was a nightmare for PSL defenders especially in the second round of the league and his goals helped Lidoda Duvha avoid relegation.
So far, Leopards are putting their trust in the on form midfielder Lesedi Kapinga to score goals for them. Kapinga has netted three goals.
The 24-year-old is four behind leaders Kermit Erasmus (Cape Town City) Peter Shalulile (Highlands), Bongi Ntuli (Arrows) and Knox Mtizwa (AmaZulu).
Meanwhile, the 35-year-old Mbesuma who has played for the likes of Orlando Pirates, PSL defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Golden Arrows and Highlands Park, says he is enjoying his game at GladAfrica Championship outfit Pretoria University.
So far, the veteran striker, who also had a spell in England with Portsmouth and Turkish side Bursaspor has scored two goals for AmaTuks.
“All I enjoy in my life is to play football and now I want to help AmaTuks return to the top flight,” he said.
“We have been doing well and we want to see this club in the PSL, which is our goal.”
AmaTuks are fourth on the log with 15 points from 10 league games.
But they are 10 points behind leaders Uthongathi who appear to be running away with the title.
