Bali Mumba Wins EFL Young Player of the Month

Bali Mumba has been named the EFL Young Player of the Month for September.

The award covers all 72 clubs below the Premier League, and Bali was selected for his participation in Argyle’s stellar month in which the Pilgrims stayed unbeaten and rose to the top of Sky Bet League One.

At Portsmouth, Bali provided the deflected cross that led to Argyle’s equaliser in a 2-2 draw, and followed that by scoring a stunning leveller against Ipswich Town, which the Greens would go on to win 2-1, live on Sky Sports, to reach the division’s summit.

On-loan from Norwich City Bali, who has just turned 21, has started 12 of Argyle’s 13 games this season, scoring twice and delighting the Green Army with effervescent displays at wing-back.

“I’m delighted,” said a beaming Bali. “It feels incredible. A lot of young players have won this award, and for this to be something across the entire EFL, it’s an incredible feeling. It is something I didn’t think I would be able to get, but I have it now – and I can’t stop smiling!

“I’m enjoying my football and playing with a smile on the pitch. I feel like when I’m doing that, I play my best football. Here, I am enjoying it. It’s helping me produce good performances.

“The most important thing for me is trust. The manager has showed he trusts me, and he has belief in me. The way of repaying that trust is putting in performances and enjoying my football, and the opportunities I am getting.”

Luke Jephcott won the same award in January 2020 following a month in which he burst onto the first-team scene. Finn Azaz is another previous winner of the award, being given the nod when on loan at Newport in January 2022.

In past years, there have many notable winners of the award who have gone on to become famous names at the top level. Jude Bellingham, James Maddison, Jarred Bowen, Tammy Abraham, Kalvin Phillips and Conor Gallagher are among those recognised for their EFL form, before going on to play for England.

Congratulations, Bali!