Finn Harps ace Mark Mbuli can’t wait for home bow against Cork City

Mark Mbuli admits he can’t wait to run out in a senior Finn Harps jersey in Ballybofey.

The 19-year-old came off the bench last Saturday night and headed in a 90th minute winner against Longford Town in a dramatic 3-2 win at Bishopsgate.

Darren Murphy’s side had found themselves two down inside the opening 13 minutes but did pull a goal back before half-time thanks to Success Edogun.

The visitors then drew level in the 67th minute when Jamie Watson fired a brilliant effort to the net. And, in the dying seconds, Twin Towns native Mbuli headed home the winner.

The Cappry Rovers graduate was picked up by then Academy boss Kevin McHugh back in 2020 and represented the club at both U-15 and U-17 level.

However, the player said it was a difficult passage to the first team at the time and he decided a move to Derry City in 2021 was his best option.

“I went to Derry at the time,” he told DonegalLive. “It was hard to rise up through the ranks and break into the Harps team.

“But now, coming back, seeing the amount of young lads coming through, that’s definitely something I want to be a part of”.

The player spent last term in NIFL Championship with Institute FC where he has made 20 appearances, scoring four goals. During his time at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Mbuli had the opportunity to work alongside fellow Donegal man Jim McGuinness.

“I was involved with Derry U-17s and Jim was coaching the U-19s. I was brought up into that set-up and got the chance to work with him. I would have played minor with MacCumhaills and we were lucky to win a county championship in 2021, beating Glenswilly in the final.

“Of course, like every other kid in Donegal at the time, 2012, I watched Donegal lift the Sam Maguire. So to get the chance to work under Jim at the time was a great experience. I definitely learned a lot”.

On his last-ditch heroics on the opening night of the season, he said: “It was a good night, even if it didn’t start all that great. To grab the winner, having been two down, I was just buzzing.

“I seen Success going down the line and the only intention was to get ahead of my man at the back post”.

Darren Murphy, number two to Dave Rogers last season, took up the reins on Naveny Street when the latter stepped away last September in the aftermath of a 5-1 drubbing away to Cobh Ramblers.

The Liverpudlian departed with Harps second from bottom in the First Division with just eight points from 32 outings. Murphy though had made a good enough impression on the squad and the board that he was given the role permanently at the end of the campaign.

“Murph is a gentleman and he’s a man you want to play for and do well for,” said Mbuli. “He’s very knowledgeable and has a way about him that players love.

“The first time I spoke with him you felt that sort of honesty right away. He wants us to go out and be together, be fearless.

“Kevin, I was with him in the academy. I remember with the U-15s, we didn’t fear anyone. We’d a great team. It didn’t matter where we went to, we felt we could get a result. We were going to the likes of St Pat’s, Bohs and Shamrock Rovers and getting results.

“They were great times. So I’m excited to be back involved. I stood on the terrace there so often so it’s exciting now to be looking forward to our first home game of the season - especially after the opening win away from home.

“We’ve a good few local players now involved. So that is great for the supporters as well”.

Friday night’s visitors Cork City got their season off the mark with a 2-0 home with over Kerry with Jack Doherty netting a brace. Mbuli knows Friday night’s opposition are a serious marker.

“Cork are one of the favourites for the league. But if we play like we did after we went two down the last night, we have a chance of getting a result. It’s going to be tough but as a player you want to be involved in these kind of tests.

“It’s also an early chance just to see exactly where we’re at.