Following Pascal Phiri’s move to Egyptian side Pyramids FC on a three-and-a-half-year deal, several fans have expressed concerns about the 20-year-old’s chances of succeeding in Egypt.
Many fans feel that North Africa has not been an easy destination for Zambians, citing recent unsuccessful stints by notable national team players, including Emmanuel Mayuka (Zamalek), Felix Katongo at Al‑Ittihad Alexandria in Egypt, Clatous Chama (RS Berkane in Morocco), as well as the most recent case of Kelvin Kapamba, who left Libya’s Al‑Madina SC three months into his contract.
Kenneth Malitoli, one of the most successful Zambian players to ever play in North Africa, believes that cultural differences play a significant role in these challenges.
“Well, definitely the culture aspect of it is very different from us here in Zambia. Here in Zambia, we are predominantly Christians,” Malitoli told BolaNews, citing cultural differences as the major reason Zambians struggle in North Africa.
He, however, believes that Zambian players can succeed if they remain focused by ensuring they move there with their wives as he did. “There, it’s a Muslim state, so you are going there to play football. And if he’s married, let him go with his wife. That’s the first thing. When I went to Tunisia, I demanded to go with my wife and my son. That helps you forget about the people you’ve left at home,” Malitoli said.
“If you go with your spouse, you won’t be thinking of any other thing apart from football. That is number one,” he added.
Malitoli played for Espérance de Tunis from 1992 to 1996 and won two Tunisian league titles.
In the 1992–93 season, his first at the club, Malitoli scored 18 goals, finishing as the joint top scorer of the Tunisian league. He netted 14 goals in the following season (1993–94) to again finish as the league’s top scorer. He helped Espérance win the league in both of his first two seasons, earning himself legendary status in Tunisian football.
Malitoli was also a key part of the squad that won the 1994 CAF Champions League (then called the African Cup of Champions Clubs).
The former Chipolopolo striker has also advised Phiri to maintain high concentration levels during games.
“Number two is concentration. North Africans are very quick and speedy. So you have to adapt as quickly as possible. If you are a striker, don’t waste time trying to dribble or trying to do so many things at one time. Simplicity is a keyword,” concluded Malitoli.
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