Zambia:Young George ‘Iniesta’ Mandu -A midfield maestro in the making.

For any team to be successful in Modern Football a strong Midfield is a must.Look at the likes of Barcelona,Bayern Munich and many other world class teams who have enjoyed their fair amount of success in the recent past, all have a strong Midfield.Zesco United the MTN/FAZ Premier League Log leaders who are also Defending Champions have the strongest midfield in Zambia with the likes of Misheck Chaila,Mwape Mwelwa,Justin Zulu and Cleotus Chota Chama as the key components of that midfield which is full of quality.

This article will focus on a midfield maestro in the making Red Arrow’s 18 year old George Mandu.He was Born on 20th January 1997.He started his playing Career at a local team in Lusaka’s Kuku area Toyas at the gat of 6.He played there until 2010 when he moved to division 3 side (Now in division 2 ) Golden Milling where he played only for a year.In 2011 he joined a team owned by the Current Football association of Zambia president Kalusha Bwalya K-Stars.In 2012 he went to play the provincial games where he caught the eye of then U -17 coach Osward Mutapa.He was part of the team that went to play Coca-cola international games in South Africa in 2012 and came out tops.In the same year Zambia hosted the Zone-6 games which he was also part of and won silver.

In 2013 he Joined MTN/FAZ Premier League side Red Arrows where he has been up to now.He has not had so much of game time with his only 7 matches coming this season .I took Time to find out a few this about this young marvelous talent.

”Iniesta,Deco and Fabregas are my three Role Models ” Mandu answered when asked about who is role models where in Football circles.”Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal the Gunners is the team” he said ”Their style of play is just awesome and one that i can suit” he further added replying to my question of his dream team and why .

Mandu who is nicknamed Iniesta by his mates is full of praise for all the Coaches who each have played a different role in his career. ”My coaches has made me realise my true potential ,their where up and downs but they believed in me through out and have taught me alot”. Mandu said ”Mutapa was the biggest influence as he gave me my first Young Chipolopolo call up and took me to Red Arrows” He further added.

”I have never used juju or seen a person use it.I like Nshima with a chicken before a match and I listen to Gospel music a night before a big game ” Mandu said

He is surely one to watch out for .He has great control and accurate passing which earned the ” Iniesta” nickname from his mates .

Mubanga Aaron

Freelance Football Writer |Freelance sports presenter TV & Radio|Sports Analyst|Social media manager|mubajnrabntv@gmail.com