By Bola Yapa Zed | October 27, 2025
The 2025/26 MTN Super League has already delivered thrilling encounters, tactical masterclasses, and standout individual performances — none more so than from the forwards lighting up Zambia’s top flight. With nine rounds played, the Golden Boot race is taking shape, led by Christopher Itaka of Nchanga Rangers, who sits atop the scoring chart with five goals.
Trailing him closely is Albert Kangwanda of Red Arrows, whose four goals have kept his club firmly in title contention. Several others — including Eliya Mandanji, Bornwell Mwape, Sadam Yusuf Phiri, and Collins Sikombe — have all showcased their attacking prowess early in the campaign. As we enter a crucial stretch of the season, every goal will count in the race for both team glory and individual recognition.
Christopher Itaka (Nchanga Rangers) – 5 Goals
At the top of the pile sits Christopher Itaka, who has been nothing short of clinical for Nchanga Rangers. The Congolese forward has carried the team’s attacking burden with remarkable consistency, scoring in key moments that have earned Nchanga vital points. His intelligent positioning, aerial strength, and calm finishing have made him a nightmare for defenders.
Despite Nchanga’s mixed start to the season, Itaka’s contribution has been immense. Five of his goals account for a significant portion of his team’s tally — proof of how crucial he is to their campaign. If he continues in this form, the Golden Boot could be heading to Chingola, marking a memorable season for both player and club.
Albert Kangwanda (Red Arrows) – 4 Goals
Albert Kangwanda continues to live up to his reputation as one of the most dynamic attackers in Zambian football. The Red Arrows winger has been in sensational form, blending flair and precision in front of goal. His four goals this season have all come in crucial moments, often giving Arrows the early lead or rescuing valuable points.
What makes Kangwanda’s form even more impressive is his versatility — he can play wide, through the middle, or even drop deep to orchestrate play. Alongside fellow attacker Sadam Yusuf Phiri, he has formed one of the league’s most dangerous partnerships. If his consistency holds, Kangwanda could easily challenge for the Golden Boot while helping Arrows in their title push.
Eliya Mandanji (Zanaco FC) – 3 Goals
Eliya Mandanji has quietly become one of Zanaco FC’s most reliable performers this season. The striker’s movement and ability to find space in the box have seen him notch three goals already. His poacher’s instinct ensures he’s always in the right place at the right time to punish defensive lapses.
What’s striking about Mandanji’s form is his growing confidence. Having worked his way into the starting eleven, his goals have helped Zanaco maintain their momentum in the top half of the table. With the Bankers chasing consistency, Mandanji’s sharp finishing could be the difference in tight matches.
Sadam Yusuf Phiri (Red Arrows) – 3 Goals
Sadam Yusuf Phiri has been a key component of Red Arrows’ fluid attack. With three goals to his name, the forward has proven to be both a creator and a finisher. His ability to link up play with Kangwanda and create scoring opportunities from wide areas makes him one of the league’s most effective dual threats.
Phiri’s composure in front of goal and tactical discipline have made him indispensable to coach Chisi Mbewe’s system. As Arrows continue to push for top spot, Phiri’s experience and goal contributions could be pivotal in maintaining their attacking rhythm and title ambitions.
Bornwell Mwape (Green Buffaloes) – 3 Goals
Veteran forward Bornwell Mwape continues to defy age and expectations with his performances for Green Buffaloes. With three goals so far, Mwape has been instrumental in leading the line for the army-sponsored club. His strength, vision, and positional awareness give Buffaloes a reliable attacking outlet.
Mwape’s leadership both on and off the pitch has been crucial in mentoring the younger players in the squad. His goals often come when the team needs them most, demonstrating not only his experience but also his enduring hunger to perform at the highest level.
Collins Sikombe (Green Eagles) – 3 Goals
For Green Eagles, Collins Sikombe has been a revelation this season. The attacking midfielder has been consistent in chipping in with vital goals that have helped his team remain competitive. Known for his composure on the ball and intelligent positioning, Sikombe’s three goals have come from his ability to time his runs perfectly into the box.
His contribution goes beyond just scoring — Sikombe’s work rate and creativity make him central to Eagles’ attacking play. As the season unfolds, his form could prove decisive in helping Eagles secure a top-six finish or even challenge for continental qualification.
Gibson Banda (FC Leopards) – 3 Goals
Gibson Banda has been one of the standout performers for FC Leopards in their debut season in the MTN Super League. The young forward has already bagged three goals, showcasing his sharp instincts and maturity beyond his years. His pace and direct approach have caused problems for even the most experienced defenders.
For a newly promoted side, Banda’s performances have been a breath of fresh air. His goals have given FC Leopards a fighting chance in tight encounters, and if he maintains his form, he could easily establish himself as one of the breakout stars of the 2025/26 campaign.
Owen Mwamba (Mufulira Wanderers) – 2 Goals
Owen Mwamba has been a consistent performer for Mufulira Wanderers, contributing two important goals in a season where the club continues to rebuild. The striker’s physical presence and aerial strength have been key to Wanderers’ attacking structure.
Though not prolific yet, Mwamba’s work rate and positioning promise more goals to come. His contribution has been vital in ensuring Wanderers remain competitive in games, especially against stronger opposition.
Francis Banda (Kabwe Warriors) – 2 Goals
For Kabwe Warriors, Francis Banda has been a creative spark and a reliable goal threat. The midfielder-forward hybrid has scored twice so far and has been involved in several of the team’s attacking moves. His ability to drift between lines and pick pockets of space makes him a nightmare for defenders.
Banda’s link-up play and energy have been central to Warriors’ recent performances. If he continues improving his finishing, he could easily double his tally and play a crucial role in the club’s quest for a top-four finish.
Rickson Ng’ambi (FC Muza) – 2 Goals
Rickson Ng’ambi has been quietly effective for FC Muza, chipping in with two well-taken goals. Known for his pace and technical ability, Ng’ambi has become one of the most important attacking pieces in the Mazabuka-based side’s setup.
His goals often come from counter-attacking situations, where his speed and control make him difficult to mark. As Muza aim to rediscover their form after a mixed start to the season, Ng’ambi’s contribution will be key to reigniting their offensive spark.
Conclusion
The early stages of the 2025/26 MTN Super League have proven that the race for the Golden Boot is wide open. With Christopher Itaka leading but the likes of Kangwanda, Mwape, and Phiri close behind, fans can expect an exhilarating battle for supremacy. As the season progresses, consistency will be the deciding factor in who claims Zambia’s most coveted individual accolade.
