Zambia U-23 defender Gift Mpande has joined Israeli second-tier club Hapel Rishon Lezion on a season-long loan from Atletico Lusaka FC, with an option to extend the contract.

The 19-year-old spent two weeks in Italy with Serie A club Cagliari FC, but no deal was reached before he moved to Israel.

Mpande and his compatriot Kingston Mutandwa spent the offseason in Italy, going through trials with the Italian club. However, only the latter was offered a four-year contract.

Mutandwa has since been assigned to Cagliari’s under-20 team in his first season.

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Meanwhile, Mpande is a promising defender in Zambia, having competed in the Junior Africa Cup of Nations.

He will look to impress at the Israeli club and hope to extend his contract next season.

Mphande is the second player from Atletico Lusaka to join Hapoel Rishon Lezion on a season-long loan, following Richard Ngoma.

The club is competing in the Israeli second division and will be looking to secure promotion.