SIMBA’S IN A WIN-WIN SITUATION!
FINAL hero Simba Mlambo reckons he’s playing the best football of his career – and he doesn’t want the fairytale to end.
Pacey striker Mlambo has enjoyed a goal-laden career in Steps 4 and 5 with the Citizens and Hampshire rivals Fleet Town.
Now, however, the 32-yearold finally has the chance to prove himself at higher level after firing Winchester to a comprehensive play-off success.
Mlambo has scored 17 of City’s 93 league goals this term – albeit below his own personal pre-season target – and is relishing the opportunity of adding to that tally in Southern Premier South next season.
“I’ve always had belief in my ability,” said Mlambo, who netted City’s third goal in their 4-1 final victory over Bristol Manor Farm on Monday.
“I knew that if I kept working hard and scoring goals my chance would come. Sadly, because of the pandemic, it’s taken a little longer than I would have liked, but it makes it all worthwhile now. We were at the top end of the table before the two seasons were curtailed but we stuck together and got our rewards in the end.
“The play-off campaign was a dream really. We always back ourselves but to win both games 4-1 is a fantastic achievement.
“It’s a very special feeling to know that we were able to give the best representation of ourselves in front of our supporters.
“I’ve never played in a game which generated as much excitement as that – it couldn’t have worked out any better.”
Mlambo also puts much of his success down to boss Craig Davis, who he followed from Fleet to Winchester with the pair having worked together now for almost a decade.
“Davo has shown a lot of faith in my ability since day one and has helped me develop as a player and a person,” Mlambo added. “He has as much trust in me and my ability as I do in him.
“We’ve been on this road together and it means a lot for any player to enjoy a relationship with his manager like that.”