Last week, Chipolopolo striker Patson Daka confirmed to Bolanews that his contract with former Premier League champions Leicester City will expire later this year. However, Daka is not the only foreign-based Chipolopolo player facing an uncertain future at club level in the New Year.
Which Chipolopolo players are considering their future?
Kennedy Musonda
Kennedy Musonda marked his 31st birthday while on duty with Chipolopolo at last month’s Africa Cup of Nations, but thoughts about his next club move are unlikely to be far from his mind.
Musonda joined Israeli side Hapoel Ramat Gan on July 7 last year and is out of contract on May 5, a situation that allows him to freely negotiate with interested clubs.
The forward has a one-year option to extend his stay, although it remains unclear whether the club will activate it given his output this season. Musonda has made 15 appearances for Hapoel Ramat Gan, scoring three goals.
Lubambo Musonda
Lubambo Musonda has taken on the profile of a journeyman in recent seasons. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the winger has completed five transfers and could be on the move again. His contract at German second-division side 1. FC Magdeburg is set to expire on June 30.
Like Kennedy Musonda, Lubambo has a one-year option to extend his stay. Represented by family members, the 29-year-old, who turns 30 in March, has made 13 appearances this season without registering a goal or an assist for his employers.
Fashion Sakala
At 28, Chipolopolo captain Fashion Sakala remains a fan favourite at Saudi club Al Fayha, making it a curious case that his contract has been allowed to enter its final six months without a renewal agreed.
Sakala joined Al Fayha from Scottish giants Rangers in 2023 and quickly made his mark, going on to become the club’s all-time top scorer with 32 goals in 86 appearances.
Represented by global agency Wasserman, whose client list includes Manchester City defenders Nathan Aké and John Stones, as well as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, Sakala’s contract expires on June 30.
He is now free to speak to potential suitors. This season, he has featured in 10 matches, scoring two goals.
Another Saudi side Al – Ettifaq FC have Sakala on their radar, they will monitor his situation at Al Fayha.
Lameck Banda
For the past four years, Lameck Banda has called US Lecce home, but that could change if the Serie A side opts not to renew his contract, which expires on June 30.
Banda joined Lecce from Israeli club Maccabi Petah Tikva and has been a useful squad member, although his progress has been repeatedly disrupted by injuries.
His most recent setback, a broken ankle, sidelined him for around 100 days, causing him to miss 15 matches for both club and country.
Before settling in Italy, the winger had attracted interest from Turkish giants Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş. With permission to speak to other clubs once his deal runs down, those conversations could yet be revived.
In Italy, Banda has made 91 appearances in all competitions, scored six goals and made 9 assists.
Jack Lahne
There was disappointment among Chipolopolo supporters at not seeing Sweden-born striker Jack Lahne in action at the Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament that could have provided him with a valuable platform to showcase his ability.
An AfCON appearance may also have helped Lahne attract interest from higher-profile clubs, potentially paving the way for a move away from Austrian second-tier side SC Austria Lustenau.
Lahne joined Lustenau as a free agent last year from Norwegian club Egersunds IK, and his contract is set to expire on June 30. It remains to be seen if his 9 goals in 31 matches will be enough to earn him an extension.
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