Felda United attacker Ndumba Makche says he would not be playing professionally had it not been for the time he spent with Inglewood United. Makeche has just finished his first season in Malaysia where he helped Felda win promotion to the Super League and gain qualification for the final of the FA Cup. The 22-year old joined the club earlier this year in search of regular game time after close to two-years at Perth Glory. But it with Inglewood that he initially shot to prominence and began to journey down the road to professional football.
Zambia-born Makeche has no doubt where his career ignited. “Inglewood was the reason I got noticed by Perth Glory,” commented Makeche, who featured 26 times and scored 14 goals during the 2011 season. “I played regularly in the first team while I was still young and that allowed me to gain experience playing against older and more experienced players … Inglewood prepared me for professional football.” Makeche’s goal scoring talents were never better displayed that the hat-trick he scored at Western Knights plus doubles against former club Stirling Lions and Cockburn City.
The accolades continued post-season with Makeche polling second to club captain Shane Pryce in the Fairest and Best. This was complimented by his placing fifth in the Gold Medal, presented to the league’s best player, and the Goal of the Season award for a sensational curling finish away at Mandurah City. “That was the highlight of my time at Inglewood, winning the Goal of the Year capped what was a very special season for me,” he added. With a stellar winter behind him, Makeche continued his development by hitting eight goals for the Glory Youth team during the summer months.
Makeche made his A-League debut with Glory in March 2012, and two months later signed his first professional contract. “I went through a tough spell in my first two professional seasons,” said Makeche, who was limited to just six outings with Glory. “I would like to have played more and showed what I can do, but that’s football. I appreciate everything the club did for me, I made some great friends there and have some good memories. Everything happens for a reason and my experiences there made me a bigger person.”
Earlier this year Makeche made the move to Malaysia with the dual goal of regular game time and re-igniting his career. “I’m very happy with my first season at Felda, I’ve been given an opportunity to play. I helped the club get promoted to the Super League and we also reach the final of the Malaysian FA Cup, which was an awesome experience,” he said. “Malaysian football is more attacking, more end-to-end. I feel I’ve adapted well, the game here is quick so my speed has certainly helped me.”
Makeche comes out of contract in October and, although happy at Felda, will consider his options before taking the next step in his career. “I’m in talks with the club about but I’m not in a rush to agree to anything,” he said. “I want time to properly evaluate my options and will decide in the next month or so where I play next season. Football opens a lot of doors for you and I’d like to play in other Asian countries in the future, I love the passion and culture of the fans.”
