The 24-year-old Inter Miami FC Zambian-born defender has not been cleared to play for the Zambia national team contrary to reports that he was now eligible to feature for the Chipolopolo.
The Times of Zambia reported last month that Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu stated that the defender’s naturalization was concluded.
“I can confirm that so far so good. I have been talking to the Minister of Home Affairs who has also said everything is okay and done. So, it’s now up to FAZ to go there an collect the documents and expedite the process if there is anything remaining. But I’m sure the process has been concluded,” Nkandu was quoted last month.
However, with only 24 days to the resumption of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, BolaNews has learned that Mabika has yet to be issued a Zambian passport.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) spokesperson Sydney Mungala confirmed on Thursday morning that, Mabika has not been issued the passport.
“The passport has not yet been issued. The exact status can be provided by the ministry of home affairs and internal security,” Mungala told BolaNews.
Meanwhile, efforts to get a comment from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security proved futile at the time of publication.
Mabika pledged his allegiance to the Zambian national team in March of last year. He went on to make his debut for the Chipolopolo in two friendlies against Benin and Congo Brazzaville.
Will Mabika play against Lesotho?
Coach Avram Grant has already started calling players for the March 20th game against Lesotho.
It is now in doubt whether Mabika will be included, especially since he is still ineligible to play for Zambia.
Meanwhile, Italy-based US Lecce winger Lameck Banda has been called to the national team. His club made the announcement on Wednesday.
The other players in Grant’s squad for the Lesotho match are not known as the final list has not yet been made public.
Given the current state of affairs, it remains to be seen whether the US-based towering defender will be summoned.
