Bola Tabloid Magazine: 2021

Charles Musonda Snr: A Career That Ended In Devastation

The achievements of one Charles Musonda are often ignored and overshadowed by those of legendary Zambian football icon Kalusha Bwalya. But Musonda is one of the high profile players who ever played for Zambia. Today, Musonda is still an unsung hero due to his premature career at the national team.

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He stays in Belgium and recently had a role of Assistant Coach at African giants TP Mazembe.

Charles Musonda Snr. (Right) with his son Charlie Musonda

Just like many legendary Zambian players, Musonda was born in Mufurila in the Copperbelt of Zambia in 1969. He started his football career at Mighty Mufulira Wanderers where Bwalya was one of his teammates.

However, his debut at the Zambia National Team was in 1988 when Zambia faced faced Ghana in Lusaka at the Independence stadium. Musonda did not disappoint in his first call up to the national team.

This earned him a place at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul South Korea where Zambia had a successful run beating Italy and Guatemala by 4 - 0 scoreline.

Musonda's career at the national team was cut short in 1993 after he got traumatised following the tragic accident which claimed the entire Zambia national team off the coast of Gabon enroute to Senegal for the World Cup qualifiers.

Reports indicate that Musonda was supposed to be part of the travelling squad but his coach at Anderlect told him to reject the call.

In terms of club career, Musonda had a successful club career with Belgian side Cercle Brugge and Anderlect among other other clubs.

Charles Musonda at Anderlect

Musonda's career suffered a setback in 1991 when he suffered a nagging knee injury which lasted for five years before he hanged his boot to become a youth coach with AA Ghent before he settled at Anderlect.

Some of the players who passed through Musonda's hands at the Anderlect youth club include: Romelu Lukaku, Jordan Lukaku, Youri Tielemann, Kelvin De Bruyne, Dries Martens, Marianne Fellaini and Adrian Januzaj.

During his active career Musonda won the Belgian League three times, the Belgian Cup and was one of the runners up for the European Cup Winners Cup which later became the UEFA Europa League.

Musonda is the father to Chelsea player Charlie Musonda Junior who refused to play for Zambia, Lamisha Musonda and Tilka Musonda who both had stint at Chelsea youth clubs.

Andrew Kamanga has turned Football House Into A Kantemba, He Should Resign, Demands Bowman Lusambo

Former Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Bowman Lusambo has called on Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga to immediately resign from his position.

And Lusambo has said that Kamanga has managed to turn Football House into a make shift stall (Kantemba).

In a post monitored on his official Facebook handle, Lusambo said if Kamanga had an iota of self respect and morals, he should never walk through the doors of Football House as President again.

"He should immediately resign and apologize for embarrassing the nation and promise himself and his family to stay far away from anything to do with football," Lusambo said.

He said it was unacceptable for Zambia to lose to Lesotho and Eswatini at the ongoing COSAFA tournament.

Lusambo said that Kamanga promised to recruit a world class coach and if Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic is the best in the eyes of Kamanga then he does not know football.

"Losing to nations such as Eswatini, Bostwana and Lesotho is unacceptable by any standards. The buck stops at Mr Kamanga’s door. When he campaigned to enter Football House, he promised to recruit a World class Coach, well, if in Mr Kamanga’s head Coach Micho is world class, he surely doesn’t know anything about football," he said.

Lusambo said that when he started the anti-Kamanga campaign most people believed it was frivolous and personal.

"When we started the Andrew Kamanga Must Go Campaign, a number of people and organisations deemed our campaign frivolous and personal.

"They thought we were out to get their man. Now that it is more clearer than day break that Zambian football under Mr Kamanga is as good as dead, we feel vindicated."

Lusambo said that the Chipolopolo has lost it's grip is no longer the team that conquered many big teams in Africa and the world.

"The Chipolopolo that turns up today on national assignment today donning that dreadful Kopa strip is unrecognizable from the team that conquered the big boys of Africa and the world with mesmerizing display of football skills wearing respectable," said Lusambo.

Meanwhile, Lusambo said that Kamanga has managed to turn Football House into a make shift stall by chasing his lieutenants like Adrian Kashala who was recently sent on administrative leave.

"We know the mess you have caused at Football House and we know that Adrian Kashala, the man you have forced to go on leave will one day tell the nation the full story when the time is right. You have conveniently pushed out Mr Kashala so that you can run Football House like a Kantemba, the same way you have operated your Tuntemba companies," said Lusambo.

Enock Mwepu Become The Second Zambian Player to Join the English Premier League This Summer

English Premier League side Brighton and Hove have signed Enock Mwepu from reigning Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg on a four-year deal, on undisclosed terms.

The 23-year-old becomes Graham Potter's first signing ahead of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign, which will be Albion's fifth consecutive year in the top-flight.

The Albion head coach said, "We're delighted to be able to welcome Enock to the club and are looking forward to working with him.

"He has a great deal of experience for somebody of his age, including Champions League and international football.

"He's primarily a central midfielder, but he’s also capable of playing in numerous positions, is open-minded, adaptable and very keen to learn and develop.

"He will add competition to our existing options in that area of the squad going into the new season."

Enock Mwepu arriving in England

Mwepu came through the ranks with NAPSA stars in his homeland, joining Salzburg in 2017.

A Zambian international, he was nicknamed 'The Computer' by Red Bull fans, based on his ability to read the game.

He made 81 league appearances over his four years at the Red Bull Arena, scoring 11 goals and laying on nine assists, while also playing in every one of their Champions League group stage games last season.

Mwepu was also on the scoresheet in this year's OFB-Cup Final, grabbing a goal and an assist in a 3-0 win over Lask.

He has been a regular for the Zambia national team since his debut in September 2017.

Frederic Oumar Kanoute: The Brain Behind The Success Of Patson Daka And Enock Mwepu

Zambia is a talent factory of world class players who have the ability to play in any competitive league environment around the world.

It has, however, been observed that the penetration of Zambian players into some of the biggest leagues in the world has been very low.

For instance, Zambia has only managed to produce three players (Collins Mbesuma, Emmanuel Mayuka and Patson Daka) who have managed to penetrate into the English league which many consider to be competitive and lucrative.

Generally, what affects Zambian players penetration into competitive and lucrative leagues is not the lack of talent but failure to be managed by competent football agents.

The success of Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu is a classical example of players who have been well managed from the time they were still infants to the level they are.

Many of you have come to appreciate their talent but you have not bothered to discover the brains behind their success.

Meet Frederic Oumar Kanoute, the man behind the success of Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu.

Frederic Oumar Kanoute (Picture Credit: Getty Images)

Kanoute is a former Malisn international who in 2007 was crowned Africa Footballer of the Year after a successful season with Sevilla.

The 43 year old says it was never his dream to start a football agency but was coerced into it after noticing how African players were treated by their agents.

"It has never been a dream of mine to have an agency or become an agent but I was almost forced or pushed into it," says Frederic Kanuote told the BBC.

Enock Mwepu Set To Join English Premier League side Brighton and Hoves

Chipolopolo midfielder Enock Mwepu is set to join English Premier League side Brighton and Hove on a permanent feal that is rumoured to be around €25 million.

Mwepu was last week granted permission to leave the Red Bull Salzburg camp yo negotiate his contract.

Earlier reports had indicated that the mercurial midfielder fondly referred to as Computer was set to move to Germany side RB Leipzig, a sister club to Red Bull Salzburg.

Other reports indicated that Mwepu was wanted by Borrusia Dortmund who had put up a bid of €18.5 million.

Enock Mwepu

But lastest reports on Twitter indicate that Mwepu has agreed a five year deal with the English Premier League side.

Last season, Brighton and Hoves finished 16th in the English Premier League.

The computer who is set to undergo medicals today will be the second Zambian to move to the Premier League this summer after his former Red Bull Salzburg compatriot Patson Daka sealed a five year deal with Leicester City worth £23 million.

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Patson Daka Become The Third Zambian To Feature In The English Premier League

As the euphoria surrounding Patson Daka's move to the English Premier League continues, Bola Tabloid Magazine explores some of the Zambians who have had playing stint in the world's most competitive and lucrative league.

The first Zambian player to play in the English Premier League was Collins Mbesuma who featured for Portsmouth.

Collins Mbesuma

Mbesuma joined Portsmouth in the summer of 2005 from South African giants Kaizer Chiefs. After a successful season, Mbesuma joined the English side but his stay there was not successful as he was loaned to Portuguese side CS Maritimo in July 2006.

Emmanuel Mayuka

Emmanuel Mayuka became the second Zambian to feature in the English Premier League when he joined Southampton on August 28 2012.

He made his debut for Southampton against Manchester United on September 2, 2012 as a substitute.

Mayuka appeared again in 4 - 1 victory against Aston Villa winning a prnalpe for the fourth goal.

Mayuka left Southampton on a loan deal after a year to join French Ligue One Sochaux on a one year deal.

Mayuka was discharged from Southampton in 2015 after failing failing to score in 16 league appearances.

With this information, Patson Daka becomes the third player from Zambia to play in the English Premier League.

Meanwhile, Fred Mwila Senior and Emmity Kapengwe became the first Zambians to play in England when they featured for then Division II side Aston Villa. This means they could not make it on the list as they did not feature in the premier league

Kalusha Bwalya also had a stint at Stoke City in about 1985 but failed the trials. The same can be said for Stophilla Sunzu who had trials at Reading.

Kalusha Bwalya Urges Daka To Work Hard As He Moves To Leicester City

Kalusha Bwalya (Left) with Patson Daka (Right)

Zambian football icon Kalusha Bwalya has showered praise on Leicester City new signing Patson Daka.

Daka was identified as a player during the reign of Kalusha Bwalya between 2012 and 2015.

He received his first national team call-up around 2015 when Bwalya was FAZ President.

Bwalya said Daka has worked hard to climb this high mountain adding that there are more opportunities coming along his way.

"Congratulations Sonny, you have worked hard and climbed this mountain. There are many more coming your way. Keep climbing and keep shining. With your hard work and discipline you will move mountains and make us all proud. Go out there and play your heart," he said.

Bwalya is considered by many as the most successful player in the history of Zambian football who has managed to win international accolades like the Africa Footballer of the Year; the first from Southern Africa to do so.

Daka signed a five year contract with the England based side that will see him at the club up to 2026.

Daka, who is formerly of Red Bull Salzburg has broken the transfer record in Zambia and Southern Africa with his £23 million move to the former English Premier League side.

Leicester City had to beat Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool in acquiring the services of the 22 year old Zambian.

Story credit: Derrick Sinjela

Micho Gives Four Reasons Why Patson Daka Will Succeed in English Premier League

Patson Daka's move to English side Leicester City has sparked excitement among his fans and administrators of football across the global.

However, there are concerns by some fans if at all Daka would be able to fit into the English Premier League which is the world's most competitive and professional league.

Daka comes Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga, a league that some pundits refer to as a 'Farmers League's due to its non - competitive nature.

Most critics of Daka have been calling on him to move to a bigger club especially those in the Premier League so that he proves himself.

Not even Daka's brace against Liverpool last season in a friendly has been enough to convince his critics.

But there is one person who believes that Patson Daka will fit well at Leicester and become one of the best players in the game of football.

That person is Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic, who is the current Zambia national team coach.

According to LeicestershireLive, Micho believes that there are a quite number of factors that will help Daka fit well at Leicester City.

Among the factors outlined by Sredojevic are Brendan Rodgers’ qualities as a manager, the team’s style of play and the creative stars in the side, and the club’s African contingent.

However, Sredojevic also praised Daka’s move because of City’s ability to provide a platform for players to reach the top with other clubs, referencing Chelsea's N’Golo Kante, now a World Cup and Champions League winner, and Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez, a multiple Premier League champion and Afcon-winning captain.

City have four African internationals in the squad – Nigerian duo Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, Ghana’s Daniel Amartey, a France-born Senegal international Papy Mendy – but they also have Kolo Toure as a first-team coach, the Ivorian still regarded as one of the continent’s greatest-ever defenders after his spells with Arsenal and Manchester City.

"I believe there are four crucial elements that shows he has made the right choice in going to Leicester,” Sredojevic told the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) media.

“First, he is going to a top-class coach in Brendan Rodgers that works patiently and does very good selections. Just in the last moment they missed the Champions League."

He said Daka's style of play will fit well with that of Leicester City.

“The second element is the style of play the team has and the passers of the ball. (Youri) Tielemans, (James) Maddison, and others are very good passers to the players who want the ball in space," said Micho.“

Milutin 'Sredojevic

They are a special source of danger together with Jamie Vardy, with his runs, and I believe that style of play will fully suit his (Daka’s) game and help him excel and take him to a higher level."

The Chipolopolo gaffer also believes that the African brothwrhoob at the club will contribute to Daka's Success at the club.

“The next element is what I will call the African brotherhood. I am personal friends with Kolo Toure, and I know how hard it was for him 20 years ago to go to Arsenal, and to make a great career in England. Now he is assistant coach there. He will be the one to receive him as an African brother from the Ivory Coast," he said.

“Then there are three African players, Amartey from Ghana, and Ndidi and Iheanacho from Nigeria, that could also play an important role to help Patson adjust off the field, and help him adapt and acclimatise as soon as possible."

Micho added that Daka is most likely to go through the same path as France midfielder N'Golo Kante, Algerian striker Riyadh Mahrez who both featured for Leicester City.

“Then he can combine acclimatisation off the pitch with adjusting to the style of play and the demands of the team, because the team will 100 per cent challenge for a place in the top four of the Premier League. He will play an important role," he said.

“But it will also allow him to set the platform for jumping to the higher level. N’Golo Kante came to Leicester and reached Chelsea and won everything that is possible to win. Also we have Riyad Mahrez that went to Leicester, made his career, then went to Manchester City and won everything."

Daka yesterday made a switch to King Power stadium in Leicester after a successful transfer switch from Red Bull Salzburg which costed an estimated £23 million.

His move has become the most expensive price tag for a player from Zambia and Southern Africa.

Leicester City Confirms Patson Daka's Signing

Leicester City Football Club have confirmed the signing of Zambian striker Patson Daka who join the Club on a five-year-deal from 1 July, subject to Premier League and international clearance.

The 22-year-old Zambian international will join City from RB Salzburg where his goals helped the Austrian side to four successive league titles and a total of seven trophies in four seasons.

The striker has scored 68 times in 125 appearances for RB Salzburg in all competitions. His 27 strikes in only 28 appearances saw him finish as the Austrian Bundesliga’s top scorer last term, as well as being named the league’s Player of the Season.

Speaking to LCFC TV, Daka said: “I’m so, so excited to join this great, historic Club. It has been my dream and I’m so happy and looking forward to what’s coming next.

“I have followed Leicester from the time they won the league. I feel it is the perfect place for me, because it’s a team that fights for titles. I know it’s not going to be easy, but I feel ready to face this new challenge.

Daka: I’m Just So Happy To Be A Fox

New Leicester City signing Patson Daka catches up with LCFC TV after agreeing terms with the Foxes.

“I will give my best for the Club each and every day, and I look forward to seeing the Leicester City fans inside the stadium soon.”

Born in Zambia, Daka spent part of his youth career with Nchanga Rangers and Kafue Celtic in his homeland before joining Austrian side Liefering on loan in 2017.

He immediately impressed in the second tier of Austrian football and soon went on to sign a five-year deal with RB Salzburg later that year, while being allowed to continue his progress on loan with Liefering.

Daka’s performances for RB Salzburg’s youth sides continued to catch the eye as his goal in the final of the 2017 UEFA Youth League helped the team to victory over Benfica and saw him progress to feature 12 times for the first team in the 2017/18 season.

RB Salzburg lifted the league title in that campaign, with Daka’s performances seeing his importance to the team grow - eventually going on to make a further 26 appearances the following season as the team completed a league and cup double.

"I feel it is the perfect place for me, because it’s a team that fights for titles. I know it’s not going to be easy, but I feel ready to face this new challenge.

"In 2019/20, RB Salzburg did the double once again, as the talented striker took his goal tally to 27 for the season as well as playing UEFA Champions League football, making his debut in a 6-2 win against Genk in September 2019," said Daka.

Daka’s progress continued last term with a further 34 goals in all competitions, taking his total for the last two campaigns to an incredible 61 goals in just 87 appearances, while also helping RB Salzburg complete a third league and cup double.

At international level, he has featured for his country 22 times at senior level, scoring seven goals and being named the Confederation of African Football’s Young Player of the Year in 2017.

Daka will link up with his new Leicester City team-mates in July to begin preparations for the 2021/22 Premier League season.

Chisamba Lungu: The Ronaldinho Of Zambian Football

Chisamba Lungu is one of the most talented but yet underrated attacking midfielder in Zambia. But one thing for sure is that Lungu is a legend who has contributed so much to Zambia.

Even though many came to know him during the 2012 Africa Cup of Nation's his contribution to the nation dates back when he was part of the Under 20 national team in 2008.

Chisamba Lungu

Chisamba famously known as Chisadinho because of his playing style which resemble former Brazilian international Ronaldinho Gaucho was born on January 31, 1991 in Kafue, South of Lusaka.

He started his career at Red Lions Football Academy in Chunga under the tutelage of coach Juma around the 2000.

Chisamba also had a career with Kafue Celtic which lasted for seven years from 200 0- 2007. In 2007, Lungu joined Super League side Zanaco which only lasted for a year before he went back to Kafue Celtic in 2009.

In 2010, Chisamba moved to Georgian side Baia Zugdidi where he had 29 appearances and managed to score a goal.

His stunning performance in Georgia took him to Ural FC in Russia in 2010. Lungu joined the club in 2010 when it was in the second division.

Lungu was one of the longest players at the Russian club where he spent seven years. He had 141 appearances with seven goals to his name.

In 2017, Lungu joined Turkish side Alanyaspor. He made his debut for the club on August 25, 2017 when he was introduced as substitute for injured Isaac Sackey.

After a year, Lungu returned to Zambia to join Super League side

Nkana Survive Relegation After Being Awarded Points

Nkana Football Club

Nkana Football Club has finally survived relegation after drawing with Napsa Stars 0-0 in a match played this afternoon at Woodlands in Lusaka.

Nkana FootnFooClub

And the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has succumbed to pressure and has therefore awarded Nkana a maximum of three points.

Nkana took on Napsa Stars this afternoon but both teams could not find the net.

This result meant that Nkana who were at the verge of being relegated have survived the chopping board.

Meanwhile, the FAZ Player Status Committee has overturned the result of the Week 32 match between Young Green Eagles Football Club and Nkana Football Club after the latter lodged a protest over the home team’s alleged use an ineligible player who was serving a Red Card suspension.

In a statement released to the media, FAZ communications manager Sydney Mungala said prior to the match, FAZ secretariat had waived the suspension and instead fined Young Green Eagles K5,000.00 which the club paid.

Young Green Eagles had their eligible goalkeepers injured while another was on national duty with the Chipolopolo.

Young Green Eagles requested for a waiver and were granted to field the suspended player who sat on the bench during the fixture.

However, the Player Status Committee Chaired by Lusaka Lawyer and former FAZ Executive Committee member Lombe Mbalashi and deputised by FAZ Copperbelt Chairman and Executive Committee member Patrick Ndhlovu overturned the decision.

The committee further awarded the game to Nkana with a 3-0 score line.

According to a verdict by the Player Status Committee, the use of an ineligible player by Young Green Eagles in the match against Nkana was against the rules.

“The Player Status Committee has considered the evidence presented and rules that Nkana’s complaint has merit, and it has been accepted. The committee has made the following decision,” reads the verdict from the committee.

“That the committee has overturned the outcome of the game by directing those three (3) points be awarded to Nkana FC with a three-nil score-line.”

Young Green Eagles has been given 14 days to appeal the decision.

Kennedy Mweene Will Add Extra Motivation To The Squad At The Cosafa

Kennedy Mweene (Right) reacting after saving Didier Drogba's penalty during the 2012 Africa Cup of Nation's final played in Libreville, Gabon

The coming back of Chipolopolo legend Kennedy Mweene to the Zambian squad will be a motivation booster to youngsters.

The 36 year's old Sundown goalkeeper has had a splendid career that has seen him win several trophies with the South African club.

Mweene has also been successful with the Zambia national team and his performance of saving penalties from world class players like Didier Drogba, Gervinho, Asamoah Gyan among others ensured that Zambia won it's first Africa Cup trophy on Gabonese soil.

His coming back to the team has not only ignited hope in young players but it has also bolstered the morale of the fans who have called for the inclusion of experienced players.

Yes, others have argued that the Cosafa should have had players mainly upcoming Stars but one thing for sure is that we do not have time to experiment.

This tournament should be treated serious and should be a curtain raiser for the forth coming World Cup qualifiers in September.

Coach Micho should ensure that Zambia goes with the best squad into these matches.

We hope that Kennedy Mweene will live up to people's expectations and deliver the much needed results for the team.

Janny Sikazwe: The Most Decorated Zambian Referee

Janny Sikazwe with former Real Madrid Defender Sergio Ramos

Zambia is not only known for producing talented football players but also referees.

Here is Janny Sikazwe, one of the most decorated and travelled Zambian referees.

He is the first Zambian referee to have officiated at the FIFA World Cup (Russia 2018).

He is also the first Zambian referee to officiate at the finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.

He is also the first Zambian referee to officiate at the AFCON finals (2017).

He has also officiated many Africa and World Cup qualifiers games in Africa.

He has also officiated many CAF Champions and Confederations Cup games.

He is also the only referee to have officiated in more ABSA Cup finals.

He has also officiated in many Cosafa Cup finals.

He has also officiated in many Zambian Super League encounters.

Do you think there is no achievement that Janny Sikazwe has not achieved in his refereeing career?

Janny Sikazwe

Photo: Janny Sikazwe with former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos at the FIFA Club World Cup.

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Leicester City Offered Patson Daka More Game Time Than Liverpool

Patson Daka

Reports have indicated that Chipolopolo forward Patson Daka snubbed offers from Liverpool and Westham in preference for Leicester City because the latter offered him more regular game time than the former.

Leicester is reported to have secured the services of the Salzburg striker at a fee of more than £27 million.

The 22 year old Zambian forward is reportedly to have penned a five year deal with Leicester City that will see him at the club up to 2026.

According to various websites, the Red Bull Salzburg striker has been offered more regular game time at Leicester City.

Patson Daka

It is this which lured Daka to move to the English Premier League side snubbing offers from Liverpool and Westham.

Daka had initial talks with Liverpool and Westham and it was expected that he would move to his favourite club at Anfield but failure to guarantee him game time made him sign for Leicester City.

Daka is a prolific striker who scored more than 34 goals for both country and club.

His stunning 27 goals made win the prestigious Austrian Bundesliga Golden Boot as well as the Player of the Season award.

Football journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Daka has undergone medicals and has finally appended his signature for the former English Premier League champions.

Many in the world believes that Patson Daka is a great competitor to Erling Haaland who is in the books of Borussia Dortmund.

Both Daka and Haaland featured for Salzburg.

Together they won the Austrian League and the Austrian Cup.

Micho Summons Deadly Squad For Cosafa Encounter

Kennedy Mweene

Chipolopolo coach Milutin Sredojevic has summoned a deadly squad for the Cosafa tournament which kicks off next month.

The gaffer has recalled experienced and long time Chipolopolo goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene to the squad alongside hard core Zesco United defender Simon Silwimba.

The Serbian Wolf has also enloped Power Dynamos’ Zachariah Chilongoshi and Napsa Stars wonderkid Jimmy Mukeya who has had an impressive season.

The rest of the squad comprises most of the players that the Serb has had under his watch in his mission to reboot the Chipolopolo.

Zambia will begin its title defence at the 20th edition of the COSAFA Cup in Port Elizabeth on July 7, 2021 against Comoros with a clash against Madagascar three days later. The final group B match will be against Malawi on July 13.

Zambia National team

Full Squad:

GOALKEEPERS

Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns – RSA), Gregory Sanjase (Young Green Eagles), Cyril Chibwe (Polokwane City – RSA), Lameck Siame (Kabwe Warriors)

DEFENDERS

Roderick Kabwe (Black Leopards), Isaac Shamujompa, Roderick Kembo (Buildcon), Simon Silwimba, Adrian Chama (Zesco United), Dominic Chanda (Kabwe Warriors), Kabaso Chongo (TP Mazembe), Prosper Chiluya, Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows), Zachariah Chilongoshi (Power Dynamos)

MIDFIELDERS

Spencer Sautu, Benson Sakala (both Power Dynamos), Felix Bulaya, Paul Katema (both Red Arrows), Salulani Phiri (Polokwane City – RSA), Collins Sikombe (Lusaka Dynamos), Prince Mumba (Kabwe Warriors), Augustine Mulenga (Amazulu-RSA), Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba (Zesco United), Jimmy Mukeya (Napsa Stars)

STRIKERS

Moses Phiri, Rodger Kola (both Zanaco), Gamphani Lungu, Supersport United-RSA), Brian Mwila (Buildcon), Justin Shonga (Cape Town City-RSA), (Friday Samu - Green Buffaloes)

WHO IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE PLAYER IN SOUTHERN AFRICA?

Enock Mwepu (Left) with Patson Daka (Photo credit: Getty Images)

Again Zambia will break history records in Southern Africa by producing one of the most expensive player in Patson Daka.

Daka, who is set to join English side Leicester City, will become the first Southern African player to fetch as high as €25 million becoming the only and most expensive player in the region.

Zambia is known for producing world class players but Daka is just cut from another cloth.

The 22 year old broke another record by becoming the first Zambian to win a player of the season award in Europe in the Austrian Bundesliga.

His stunning 34 goals in all competition ensured that he won the Austrian Golden Boot Award.

Thus far Daka remains the most expensive player in the region followed by yet another Zambian Enock Mwepu who is valued at €13 million. Mwepu shares the same spot as Zimbabwe's Tino Kadewere who is in the books of French side Lyoinese.

Tino Kadewere

How did Daka get here?

Daka began his football career at Nchanga Rangers at the age of 10 before joining Kafue Celtic who later loaned him to Power Dynamoes Football Club.

Daka had a difficult season at Power Dynamoes. During the same time at a tender age of around 17, he received his first call up at the national team which was unsuccessful.

Patson Daka

There was widespread criticism but that did not stop him from believing that one day he would become the best player in Zambia attracting interest from the world biggest teams.

Daka's success started when Kafue Celtic loaned him to Red Bull Salzburg feeder club FC Liefering.

At Liefering, he announced himself by scoring a goal during the UEFA Youth Cup final which Liefering won.

During this same time, Daka won the Under 20 Africa Cup with Zambia and made a quarterfinal appearance at the Under 20 World Cup in Korea.

These achievements resulted in Daka winning the 2017 CAF Young Player of the Year Award.

Daka was later promoted to the Salzburg main team.

Daka at Salzburg

During 2019/20 league season, Daka was the clubsc second goal scorer behind red hot Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haalands.

When Haalands left Salzburg, Daka become the main striker and everyone looked up to him to make those runs and score goals for the Austrian giants.

Daka did not disappoint and lived up to people's expectations by scoring the most number of goals which saw Salzburg defending the league title and bagging the European Cup.

Daka at national team

Daka has scored about seven time for Zambia. The latest goals came during the 2022 Africa Cup qualifiers when he scored four goals.

LIVERPOOL KEEN ON SIGNING PATSON DAKA

Patson Daka (Photo courtesy: Football Insider)

According to a United Kingdom football page Football Insider, Liverpool are making headwaysin securing the services of Chipolopolo forward Patson Daka who is set to join the Reds this summer.

Daka came out top scorer in the Austrian Bundesliga after scoring 27 goals in 21 league appearances.

Read more on this on https://www.footballinsider247.com

His stunning performance which saw him won the Austria Player of the Season Award has attracted interest from many top clubs around Europe with Liverpool, Westham, Chelsea, Tottenham and recently Monaco and Leicester City being many contenders.

Daka has already made contacts with Liverpool Bola Tabloid Magazine understand.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Liverpool have made contact about what it would take to lure Daka in the current window.

The 22 year old Zambian has a market value of €20 million the highest so far in Southern, Eastern and Central Africa.

Liverpool are looking for a striker who is going to provide competition to Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah.

Liverpool wanted to bring on board Daka's former teammate Erling Haaland but his staggering price of over €100 was too much hence settling for the former Kafue Celtic player.

If Daka joins Liverpool, he could be the first Zambian to play for a top flight club in England.

KELVIN MUBANGA KAMPAMBA IS THE ONLY PLAYER IN ZAMBIA TO HAVE WON THE LEAGUE CONSEQUETIVELY WITH TWO DIFFERENT CLUBS

Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba

Zesco United attacking midfielder Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba could have been the first player to win the Zambian Super League with at least two different clubs consequetively according to our records.

Fackson Kapumbu and Winston Kalengo won the league with Zesco and Zanaco but it was not consequetively.

Kampamba won the league with Nkana in the 2019/2020 league season before winning it again with Zesco in the 2020/2021 league season becoming the first to do so unless there are records to prove otherwise.

Bola Tabloid Magazine understand that the Chipolopolo winger is also a strong contender for the Player of the Season Award having had an impressive season which saw him won the league, ABSA Cup Player of the Tournament, and several man of the match awards among others.

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Micho Has Proved Critics Wrong

Milutin Sredojevic

We are one of Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic biggest critics with the way he selects players. But yesterday we saw a different side that was tactically strong and resilient.

Sudan was somewhat a better side charging at Zambia with every effort they found.

However, the Zambian boys were not as timid as we have seen before. They showed character, aggressiveness and the ability to repel any attack from the charging Sudanese.

This is why in the 88th minute Zambia took a lead through Green Eagles player Amity Shamende which was well curled from a brilliant angle.

The Sudanese could have taken a lead in the 63rd minute through Ramu Abdallah who came close but Dominic Chanda blocked his effort.

Zambia National Team

The victory marked the end of Zambia’s three international friendly during the FIFA window that saw them lose 3-1 to a star studded Senegal before drawing 2 all with Benin.

Zambia will start it's World Cup qualifiers away to Mauritania and then host Tunisia.

Collins Mbesuma Gives Back To His Community By Setting Up A Football Academy

It is very unusual for African footballers to remember where they come from. If they remember, then it's one in a group of 10 players. That one person today is former Zambian international Collins 'Ntofontofo' Mbesuma.

Collins Mbesuma (Photo courtesy: TimesLive)

Mbesuma who is one of the finest strikers to have ever been produced in Zambia has set up a football academy in his home town of Luanshya where he started his football career at Roan United.

See more about Collins Mbesuma on www.kickoff.co.co.za

This football academy is part of the 36 year's old efforts to pay back to the community which made him who he is today.

"This academy is to empower youth you know, to give back to my community and to give back to youth in Zambia," Mbesuma told Kickoff.com

Collins Mbesuma (Photo courtesy: Kickoff.com)

Mbesuma who is in the books of University of Pretoria is Kaiser Chiefs all time goalscoer with 35 goals, a record that is unbeaten in the South African Premier League.

Mbesuma said he decided to set up a football acdemy because of the dwindling football fortunes in his home town.

"I think this is a nice time to do it. I'm still active and I will see year by year. I have to do it because I can see, especially in my home town, the football level went down because I think there's no development there. So I think that forced me to do it," said Mbesuma.

The former Africa Cup of Nation winner said his goal is to help the youths in his community so that they get established.

"For now the plan is just to start you know. What I'm looking to do is just to help the youth... we will see if they establish themselves. There are going to be trials and I think from just a young age, maybe from under eight and go up there," he said.

"Before I even made it and started playing professional football at Roan United back home, I used to even take the kids, like six-year olds, and go and train them you know."

This effort by Mbesuma is worth emulating by other footballers

Herve Renard: From Cleaner To Africa Cup Winner

Herve Renard

Is there a coach who has achieved as high as former Zambia national team coach Herve Renardin Zambia? Well, Renard was appointed the Zambia national team coach at a time when the Chipolopolo was at it's lowest level.

His appointment was received with mixed feelings because he had no prior experience as head coach except for the fact that he served as the physical trainer for the Ghanian national team.

But that did not stop him from believing that he can suddenly transform a side that was seen as underdogs to being the main giants of African football beating the likes of Ghana, Senegal and Ivory Coast who were littered with high profile players from the big leagues in the world.

Renard was born on September 30, 1968 in Aix-les-Bains, France. During his days as a player, Renard played as a defender for French sides AS Cannes, Stade de Vallauris and SC Draguignan.

When he retired as a professional player he worked as a cleaner and subsequently started his cleaning company.

His successful coaching career started with Zambia when he helped the Southern African giants to reach the first ever quarterfinal appearance at the 2010 Angola Africa Cup Finals. Later, Renard served as Angola coach before leaving in October 2010.

In 2011, Renard reached an agreement with Algerian club USM Alger to become the head coach of the club. However, it was only for a short spell that he spent at USM Algiers before he returned to Zambia for a second spell.

His second spell was highly successful than the first one as Renard guided Zambia to it's first ever Africa Cup of Nation's victory in 2012 in Libreville, a country where Zambia lost its entire squad in a plane crash.

Renard left Zambia in 2013 after a first round exit at the Africa Cup of Nation hosted in South Africa, of which he took blame.

Herve Renard

On October 7, 2013, sealed a deal with Sochaux back in his home country France. His stay at Sochaux was not a success and the team got demoted from the French Ligue One

Renard was later appointed as the coach for the Ivory Coast and was in charge of the team at the 2015 Africa Cup which he eventually won becoming the first coach to win the trophy with two different countries.

In 2015, Renard went back to his native country to coach Ligue One side Lille. Again he was unsuccessful and eventually sacked.

In November 2017, he qualified Morocco to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, their first since 1998.R

Renardis currently the head coach of the Saudi Arabian national team.

The story of Renard proves that anything in life is possible for as long as you keep focus and twack your set objectives. Imagine frin being a cleaner to a Champion.

Zambia To Face Sixth Ranked Great Britain

It can never be any better than for the Zambian Women National team to clinch an international friendly with the Great Britain which is one of the highest ranked team in the world.

According to international FIFA rankings, the Great Britain is ranked sixth (6th) in the world better than Zambia who are ranked 104 in the World.

The friendly between the two nation's will show their levels of preparedness ahead of the summar Olympics slated for Tokyo this July.

The Zambia Women National team is the only sole African representative at the Tokyo games.

Great Britain head coach Hege Riise said he was delighted to have secured a friend with the Southern African giants.

“I’m delighted that we have secured a match on home soil which allows fans to watch us play before we depart for Tokyo," he said.

“We're so excited to see what we can achieve out in Tokyo and we’ll go out there aiming to win. But we also aim to inspire young female footballers from across Great Britain to take up the support and further grow the game."

He said the Zambian team had excelled in securing their first ever qualification at the Olympics and this will ensure the development of the game in Zambia.

The Zambia Women National team

“We're honoured to welcome Zambia to Great Britain for this match. They have excelled in securing qualification for the Olympics and their achievement and the legacy they will provide will also help grow the women’s game in Zambia.

“On behalf of our entire squad I’d like to thank National Lottery players for making it possible not only for us to host this match but to prepare us in the best possible way to compete for gold in Tokyo.”

Great Britain have been drawn in Group E with Chile, Japan and Canada while Zambia has been drawn against the Netherlands, Brazil and China.

Zambia striker Barbra Banda