Khuda says he has place among Malawi’s elite strikers in social media storm

Former Flames striker Khuda Myaba has sparked controversy by declaring himself equal to Malawi’s most celebrated forwards, including Chiukepo Msowoya and Gabadinho Mhango.

The bold statement came via social media following Malawi’s goalless draw against Lesotho in Saturday’s international friendly in South Africa—a match Myaba watched from the sidelines, having been absent from the national squad since 2023.

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In a Facebook post, Myaba staked his claim at the top of Malawi’s striking hierarchy, dismissing rivals as inferior. “We already settled this issue six years ago don’t compare fish with sharks … maybe I should say he’s not better than me 100 times,” he wrote, alongside a screenshot from his TNM Super League glory days.

The image referenced Myaba’s 2018 battle with Nigerian-born Malawian striker Babatunde Adepoju, when Myaba claimed the league’s golden boot with 21 goals compared to Adepoju’s 15. The timing appears significant: Adepoju recently earned his second Flames cap in the Lesotho match, though he’s yet to score at international level.

Myaba reinforced his position Sunday morning: “Compare me with top strikers like Gabadinho Mhango, Richard Mbulu, Chiukepo Msowoya; the rest are fish.”

However, statistics paint a more complex picture:

• Khuda Myaba: 5 goals in 29 appearances
• Gabadinho Mhango: 20 goals in 75 appearances
• Chiukepo Msowoya: 22 goals in 88 appearances
• Richard Mbulu: 5 goals in 47 appearances

Most of Myaba’s international goals came in COSAFA Cup tournaments, with just one in World Cup qualifiers. It took him two years after his 2017 debut to open his account in 2019—a milestone he considers pivotal.

This isn’t Myaba’s first public confrontation. Previous Flames coaches, including Patrick Mabedi, have faced his criticism over squad selections. While he initially praised current coach Kalisto Pasuwa upon his appointment, Myaba has yet to receive a call-up under the new regime.

The contrast between Myaba’s claims and his current circumstances is stark. Playing for Zimbabwean side Scotland FC, he has appeared in fewer than five matches this season. Meanwhile, his apparent target Adepoju is flourishing domestically, leading the TNM Super League scoring charts with 12 goals for Nyasa Big Bullets.

Myaba’s assertive declarations raise fundamental questions about national team selection criteria. Should domestic form outweigh international experience? How much weight should be given to peak performance versus recent contribution? And what role does attitude play when talent is in question?

Whether Myaba’s social media campaign will influence his Flames recall remains uncertain. What’s clear is that the 29-year-old knows how to command attention, even from the periphery of Malawi football.

For now, his claims serve as a reminder that confidence and controversy can keep a player in the conversation, even when they’re not on the team sheet.