Simukonda back with a vengeance

BY S. SIVABALAN

PETALING JAYA: Two years ago, when Zacharia Simukonda first arrived in Kangar, he left a “broken man”. He broke his leg in training and went home with his dreams of playing for Perlis dashed. 

The broken leg sidelined the Zambian striker for one year. After spending a year improving his form with Al-Merriekh in Sudan last season, Simukonda is back – and with a vengeance. 

Simukonda has been largely responsible for Perlis' fiery start to the season. He has so far netted five goals in four matches in the Super League. 

Two of the goals were match winners – against Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MPPJ) earlier this month and Pahang on Sunday. 

DOING WELL: Perlis' Zacharia Simukonda (centre) has so far scored five goals in four matches in the Super League.

He scored a brace against Perak in the Charity Shield match and one goal against Sabah last weekend. 

Perlis are now second in the Super League with 10 points, two points leaders Penang and three ahead of third-placed Malacca Telekom. 

Asked why he decided to return, the Zambian said it was about fulfilling a dream which started two years ago. 

“When you want to do something, sometimes you have to be patient to overcome the obstacles,” said the 25-year-old who is least surprised by his strong performances. 

“When you play with strong support like I have been getting with Perlis, it's not a surprise for good things to happen. 

“But you must not lose focus. And you must be ready to work hard to improve,” said Simukonda who spent five seasons with Zambian club Red Arrows in the Premier Division before turning up for selection with Perlis two years ago. 

“The goal against Pahang came under difficult circumstances. It was a very tight game, we didn't have much chances to score. The pressure was mounting which team was going to score first. 

“It was a relief that we scored first. It really didn't matter which Perlis player scored the goal. The pressure was relieved and we become more focused,” he said after the 1-0 win. 

Simukonda has one unfulfilled dream. Simukonda had wanted to play alongside his long-time friend Phillimon Chepita. 

Unfortunately, Chepita’s Zambian club Lusaka refused to loan the striker to Perlis for a third season. 

“We played for the opposing sides in the Zambian league, but we have been friends for a long time. 

“It was a bit uncomfortable at first knowing that he won't be around. The pressure on me to perform was bigger since he can't be with the team.  

“That is in the past. After I managed to get the goals, the pressure has reduced, I am playing with more confidence now.”