UPDATE ON PLAYERS ABROAD
Zambian footballers have been busy at their football clubs and as the international break takes place, here is a piece on some of the players called up for the Chipolopolo that ply their trade outside Zambia.
First up is Lubambo Musonda. It’s safe to say a considerable number of Chipolopolo fans have been satisfied with Musonda’s call up; it can be assumed that he is on some good form as last season he helped his team to silverware therefore qualifying to UEFA Europa League play offs of which he participated fully and scored a goal in the process, however, that wasn’t enough as he and his team were eliminated. So far he has played 8 games and scored 1 goal.
Up next is fan favourite Fashion Sakala JR. After moving to Belgium signing for K.V. Oostende from Russia; it’s safe to say that JR is still adapting to playing in a new league although it may seem a challenge to many, he has hit the ground running and has bagged himself a few goals along the way. Once again a chance has been given to him so as to prove why he is a fan favourite as he has been called up to don the colours of Chipolopolo.
Up next is Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga. Nick named “Bayer” Justin has been a revelation since join the national set up if he isn’t scoring goals then he is definitely setting up teammates and it is worth noting that his set piece taking is quite exceptional. For his club in the league he has played 5 games and scored in one.
Next up is the man nicknamed “Ba mupashi” as well as “Master” and goes by the name Rainford Kalaba. Master’s inclusion in the Chipolopolo has been received with mixed feelings as questions have been raised whether his inclusion was backed by experience or form or both however the answer will only be discovered over the weekend as Chipolopolo face Nambia. Club wise Kalaba has been active and it is worth noting that TP Mazembe finished the group phase undefeated.
The picture above shows Salulani Phiri showing off his ball controlling skills. Since Salulani Phiri’s introduction to the Chipolopolo midfield, he has shown that he is capable of maintaining and controlling the game at a particular pace as his skills as a defensive midfielder can be rivalled by only a few within the ranks. Salulani is a usual starter for his club Polokwane City and has played all the games so far in the new season.
The favourite Zambian duo in Austria plying their trade for Red Bull Salzburg, made up of Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu. Daka and Mwepu have both had a meteoritic rise through the ranks and now they both play for the first team after first playing for the feeder team of Red Bull Salzburg, after winning the league they both made their debut in the UEFA Champions League. Their stats for this season stand at 8 games played 1 goal scored and 1 assist registered for Patson Daka where Mwepu has 6 games played and 1 goal registered.
Catch us on thursday for the next part of updates on players abroad that have been called for the national team.
