One year ago, Frankie Musonda made his debut for Zambia after switching his international allegiance from England.
Musonda was born to a Zambian father and a British mother. His father, Patrick Musonda, is a medical professor at the University of Zambia’s School of Medicine.
On March 25, 2022, Musonda made his Chipolopolo debut and scored against Congo Brazzaville in an international friendly match.
Since then, the Scotland-based Ayr United FC defender has become a fan favourite and has secured his place in the national team, gaining the nickname ‘Remote Controller’ due to his style of play, which involves giving instructions on the field of play and coordinating the backline.
Following his debut, the 26-year-old center-back expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play for Zambia on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“I couldn’t have dreamt for anymore. I am humbled and grateful to make my debut for Zambia and to score is a dream come true,” he wrote. ” Thank you to everyone, especially the people of Zambia for your love and support.”
“I’m immensely proud of Frankie” -Musonda’s mom
Musonda is one of the 27 players selected by coach Avram Grant for the AfCON, which will begin on January 13, 2024, in Ivory Coast.
Zambia is in Group F with Morocco, Tanzania, and DR Congo. They will kick off their campaign on January 17th against Congo in San Pedro.
Reacting to her son’s national team call-up, Musonda’s mother, Fleur Carrington Musonda, said it’s an honour.
“I’m immensely proud of Frankie and very excited about the coming tournament. It’s a great honour for Frankie,” the former teacher at St. Pauls Secondary School in Kabwe told BolaNews.
On her son’s debut game in Lusaka, Mrs. Musonda said, “He loved it—he said it was the greatest moment of his life.”
The Luton Town FC academy product has already made nine appearances for Zambia, missing only six games due to injury.
RELATED ARTICLE: Zambia’s 2023 AfCON hurdles explained
He played an important role in the Chipolopolo’s qualification campaign for the Africa Cup of Nations, helping them keep two clean sheets against Lesotho and Ivory Coast in 2-0 and 3-0 wins, respectively.
