BJ Banda has ‘unfinished business’ at Finn Harps

BJ Banda admits the manner in which he departed Finn Park back in 2018 meant he always harboured ambitions of some day making a return.

The contrast in which the Letterkenny man announced himself on Navenny Street three years earlier to the way in which he eventually exited stage left, couldn’t have been any wider.

Banda shot to instant fame back in 2015 when he netted a last-gasp winner in a play-off decider against Limerick and, in the process, catapulted Harps back to the Premier Division.

The game had seemed destined for penalties when Banda, just 17 at the time and still a Leaving Cert student, headed home a goal at the Town End of a packed Finn Park - scenes that are still talked about to this day along the terraces there.

However, he’d eventually see his gametime reduced to the point of almost non-existent and, in 2018, quietly departed for Letterkenny Rovers in the Ulster Senior League.

“It was crazy at the time,” he reflects. “It was a surreal period and I probably didn’t know how to handle all that attention. I was back in school on the Monday morning and it felt like I was a different person.

“I don’t think I did too much wrong but football just doesn’t always work out the way you want it to. But I got myself out in the real world, became an adult I suppose. But I’m back now at Finn Park and I can’t wait to get going”.

Two years ago Banda hooked up with Ballinamallard United, scoring 23 goals in 58 games for the club.

Dave Rogers did approach him back in January but at the time Banda instead chose to join up with NIFL Premiership Champions Larne FC.

However, Rogers made another advance a fortnight ago and this time got his man. With just 21 goals in as many games this term, Harps could certainly do with Banda hitting the ground running.

“I do,” Banda said when pressed on whether or not he felt there was unfinished business for him in that blue shirt. “I sort of set a standard for myself that night at a very young age.

“And maybe it was just a little too hard to sort of live up to that at that age. I was probably a little too naive and thought it would be like that every week.

“There was a lot of expectation maybe. And to be honest I was gutted when it ended the way it did. But I was absolutely delighted to sit down with Dave this time out and agree to come back in.

“He had been in contact at the start of the year but at the time it just didn’t suit. But I’m glad he came back to me in recent weeks. Being back amongst the boys, I feel like I’ve a lot to give.

Big Keith (Cowan), who was my captain back then is there and Tony McNamee is also back on board. It feels like we’re getting the band back together!

“It’s testament to Dave that he's trying to put that Harps flavour on this new project. I really want to repay the club’s faith in me now and give the fans something to shout about”.

Meanwhile, second from bottom Harps suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat away to Waterford last time out and welcome fifth-placed Bray to the north west this Friday night.

Dan Stoke, Max Hutchison, Jamie Watson and Tony McNamee have also recently come on board at Harps and all five should be available for selection for the weekend’s fixture.

“I think if we can string a few results together the potential is there to move up the table quite quickly,” Banda said. “I’ve kept a close eye on Harps and the league this term. The manager is setting real standards and that will always take time to fall into place.

“But he’s added some good signings to a young and energetic side so I really believe that can all kick on now. I’m raring to go and I’m excited to start playing”.