Richard Mbulu


Richard Mbulu is a Malawian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Iraqi side Al-Najaf SC. He was included in Malawi's squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Early life

Mbulu was born in Mangochi, Malawi.

Club career

Having started his career at Malawi Armed Forces College following his enlistment in the armed forces, he joined Mozambican side Costa do Sol in December 2016. He later moved to Portuguese side A.D. Sanjoanense before returning to Costa do Sol in the summer of 2018. In the summer of 2019, Mbulu signed for South African side Baroka on a three-year deal.

International career

He was called up to the Malawi national football team for the first time in January 2017, and made his debut for them on 10 June 2017 in a 1–0 win against Comoros. He scored his first goal for Malawi on 4 September 2017 in a 1–0 win against Togo. He scored the only goal of a 1–0 win against Uganda which allowed Malawi to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

International goals

No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
14 September 2017Stade de Kégué, Lomé, Togo1–01–0Friendly
229 March 2021Kamuzu Stadium, Blantyre, Malawi1–01–02021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
37 September 2021Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa1–01–02022 FIFA World Cup qualification
418 November 2024Bingu National Stadium, Lilongwe, Malawi2–03–02025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
55 September 2025Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, Francistown, Botswana1–02–12026 FIFA World Cup qualification

Personal life

When Mbulu left school, he became a soldier but later decided to pursue a career in football. His father was also a footballer and a soldier.