Following a stellar season with Black Leopards in South Africa’s National First Division (NFD), goalkeeper Cyril Mwenya Chibwe says he is open to returning to the Zambian national team if called upon.
“Who would refuse the call of the nation? I chose Zambia wholeheartedly, and I have never regretted it,” he told BolaNews on the possibility of a national team recall.
The 31-year-old shot-stopper enjoyed one of the best campaigns of his career, helping Black Leopards finish fourth, narrowly missing out on a promotion play-off spot by just a single point. Leopards ended the season with 47 points—one behind Casric Stars, who secured third place with 48 points.
Chibwe kept 9 cleansheets in 18 league games this season.
Chibwe played a key role in his team’s campaign, helping them maintain a strong home record with only two losses at their stadium throughout the season.
“Honestly, this is one of my best seasons, with a record-breaking performance, only missing out on the playoffs by just a point,” he said. “We lost only two games at home the whole season and never dropped out of the Top 8, so I would say I had a good season.“
He added, “We learn every day, so I would like to better what I did this season because you are as good as your next game. The past is gone now; I look forward to the next season to improve.”
Chibwe on plans for his goalkeepers’ academy
Beyond the pitch, Chibwe has also embarked on a personal mission to develop future talent through his Grassroots Goalkeepers Academy. Based in Rustenburg, South Africa, the initiative is aimed at nurturing young goalkeepers from his hometown.
“My inspiration to start the foundation and the academy is the fact that in my hometown, Rustenburg, I’m the only professional and international goalkeeper. That pushed me to try and help develop goalies from there,” he explained. “I was fortunate that there was a professional team, Platinum Stars, which developed me until I was promoted to the first team.”
Chibwe also revealed plans to extend his coaching efforts to Zambia through training clinics.
“At the moment, we’re trying to establish ourselves first before branching out, but I’ll definitely be coming to Zambia for clinics. That’s when I’ll assess the attendance and reception, and we’ll take it from there,” he said.
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