South Africa’s Baroka FC striker, Richard Mbulu, who is also a soldier, has been promoted back home by the Malawi Defence Force (MDF).

Mbulu earned promotion from Corporal to Sergeant after scoring in 1-0 win over Uganda that took the Flames of Malawi to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

The striker played for MDF-owned Mafco FC when he emerged as Malawi’s TNM Super League top scorer four years ago.

Mbulu eventually signed for Costa do Sol in Mozambique before Baroka signed him two seasons ago.

However, it is his contribution to the Flames’ cause that has earned him the promotion. Malawi beat

South Sudan and Uganda to qualify for AFCON finals from Group B with 10 points.

Mbulu is the second Malawian soldier to play in South Africa after Dave Banda who had a stint with Black Leopards FC.