Ntazana Mayembe, a Zambian winger and former Cardiff City FC player, has promised to return to football after a year away from the game.
Mayembe emerged on the Zambian football scene in 2021, when then-Chipolopolo coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic gave him his first call-up.
In June 2021, the then-18-year-old attacker made his debut against the Sadio Mane-led Senegal in a friendly match.
He came on in the 88th minute when he replaced Red Arrows defender Benedict Chepeshi in the match, which ended 3-1 in favour of the Senegalese in Thiès.
After his debut, Mayembe said, “It was an emotional game. It was an unbelievable feeling, just overcoming my fears.”
Mayembe, who is now 20 years old, has not played competitive football since leaving Cardiff City in June 2022 after an eight-year stint in the club’s youth teams.
“I took a break from football to explore different interests and look at different other options but I am ready to return now,” he told BolaNews in an exclusive interview. “I’m young, and I know what I’m capable of. I’ll be back.”
Mayembe on why he is clubless
Mayembe revealed that he had numerous offers from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Egypt, but the contracts were not “good enough,” so he decided to take a break from football.
“I signed a contract in Dubia but I decided that I was not going. My mom was very angry, and everyone was not happy but I made that decision. I know my worth, that contract was not good enough.”
“I’m building myself back and trust me, I will be back. I just wanted to be 100% fit, as I have been doing individual training.”
Mayembe was reported to have joined Wales side Garw in September 2023, but the winger denied this, claiming that he only took a picture with the club’s jersey while training with them.
He has wished the Chipolopolo Boys the best of luck as they prepare to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), stating that he would have loved to be a part of the team and hopes to put on the Zambian jersey again once he has regained match fitness.
“The coach gave me an opportunity [to play for Zambia]; I know he did but we go again, Taz will be back,” he said.
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He continued: “I wish them [Chipolopolo] all the best [at AFCON]. I wish I was there myself to bring what I can to the nation and make everyone happy but it’s not too late; I will be back.”
