Zambia Under-17 defender Milimo Nalumango has shared his Chipolopolo dream and his source of inspiration.
The towering defender put up a solid performance in Zambia’s 2-1 win over Morocco at the 2023 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) under the tutelage of Ian Bakala.
Milimo rose through the ranks at Supersport United in South Africa. He joined the team’s academy at the age of 10.
The 17-year-old played in the Under-11, captained the Under-13 while aged 12, and also played in the Under-15 team.
Milimo and his brother, Myles, are currently with the DFI Academy in Germany.
He says he is inspired by Borussia Dortmund and German forward Karim Adeyemi, who was also trained at his current academy.
“I do draw inspiration from Karim Adeyemi who used to play for the same team (DFI Academy) but now plays for Dortmund and represents the Germany national team.”
Despite being a defender, Milimo reveres Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for his discipline on and off the pitch.
“My role model is Cristiano Ronaldo,” he revealed to BolaNews. “because of his discipline and I will have to work hard to be the best on and off the pitch.”
Just like Ronaldo with Portugal, the budding defender dreams of playing for the Chipolopolo on the biggest stage – the FIFA World Cup.
“My dream is to take Zambia to the World Cup,” he stated.
Milimo eyeing Bundesliga clubs
Milimo understands that he must work hard in order to make his senior Chipolopolo Boys debut. He revealed that he is now focused on securing a deal with a big team.
“I intend to work extra hard to find a bigger club. I will continue to work hard and give my all…. Because I believe that with passion and hard work everything will fall into place.”
The Under-17 National team call-up also spurred a renewed sense of belief and passion for Milimo, describing his time with the team as ‘warmly’ and ‘welcoming’.
“What I have learnt is that for the team to succeed you need to have a good relationship with everyone in the team.”
Milimo said he was emotional because he did not know what to expect. He attributes hard work in camp to his inclusion in the final squad U17 AFCON.
“While serving Zambia whether it is at the Under-17, 20, 23 or even senior team, I just have to work hard to make the final squad.”
Should the budding center-back broker a deal with a Bundesliga side, he will join the likes of former Zambian midfielder Andrew Sinkala, national team assistant coach Moses Sichone and AFCON-winning captain Christopher Katongo who previously played in the German topflight league.
Milimo is determined to pursue that path if an opportunity to sign with a German club arises.
“It’s definitely nice to know that I had people of my own country play in the Bundesliga,” he excitedly stated. “It gives a boost of motivation to know that other Zambians have done it before…… And it’s not impossible to play at that level.”
