Luke Milanzi

Luke Milanzi
	File:Milanzi.jpg
Personal information
Full name	Luke Bruno Milanzi
Height	1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Position(s)	Winger; Attacking midfielder; Second striker
Team information
Current team	Eagle Strikers
Number	7
	‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of October 31, 2009

Luke Bruno Milanzi (born December 3 1994 in Blantyre) is a Malawian football midfielder for Eagle Strikers in the Malawi Premier Division in Malawi, Africa. Known as the raptor for his speed and ability. Playing in the local Malawi league has scored almost half a century of goals within two seasons, and is currently watched by several big name European sides.

Club

Milanzi was signed by Malawi club Eagle Strikers in 2008. He debuted for the senior team in January 2009, and scored a memorable double on his debut. He surely broke several records, having turned 14 only a month before his brace for the Eagle Strikers. Following a very strong 2008 season in which he netted seventeen goals in only twenty-two appearances, the 2009 season would see an even better side of the player. He finished the season as the top scorer with thirty goals - a record for the Malawi Premier Division.

Following the young players strong showing at the U17 World Cup, numerous European clubs are hoping to acquire the services of the player. Several large African clubs were also reportedly monitoring the work and ability of the young footballer. He however would be ineligable to play for most European clubs simply because of the young age.

International

Luke Milanzi made his debut for the Malawi U17 squad aged just 13. Following several appearances he attended the 2009 U-17 African Championship, and scored twice against Mozambique, and then again in the group stage against Zimbabwe. He finally scored a goal in the teams 3-1 defeat to Burkina Faso. These performances from the much younger player raised questions on his undoubted raw talent. His greatest career accomplishment so far however was, at age 14, his captaining of the side at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, being held in Nigeria. At the tournament he was registered under his middle name of Bruno, and wore the famous Malawi No. 10 jersey for the side. He was the captain during their group stage defeates to the United States, the United Arab Emirates and finally the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup runners-up Spain. He was the youngest player that participated at the U17 World Cup and scored in the latter game against Spain. Football pundits unanimously agreed that he was the best player from Malawi at the games.

Personal Life

Born in the city of Blantyre, Luke grew up in a poor community and was surrounded by poverty. His older brother, Bruno, died in a car accident when Luke was still very young. As a tribute to his brother Milanzi registered his name at the 2009 U-17 World Cup as 'Bruno' Milanzi, to pay homage to his late brother. He also has a sister, aged 12.

Club statistics

Club	Season	Malawi Premier Division		Total
Club	Season	App	Goals	App	Goals
Eagle Strikers	Malawi Premier Division 2008	22	17	22	17
	Malawi Premier Division 2009	34	30	34	30
	Club Total	56	47	56	47