Power Dynamos and Zambia national team goalkeeper Willard Mwanza became an instant meme on social media after a picture of him smiling while staring at Lionel Messi following one of Argentina’s goals in last Wednesday’s friendly went viral.
The Chipolopolo shot-stopper conceded all five goals in the 5–0 defeat to the world champions on March 31, 2026. Reacting to the memes, Mwanza said he has not taken them to heart and instead appreciates the experience of playing against the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“The experience was just good; it’s important to play with such kind players. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Mwanza told BolaNews in an interview.
On the memes, he said, “I don’t even pay attention to that; I just have to concentrate on my work. Because there was nothing funny about it, but us in Zambia, we always look forward to someone’s downfall.”
Mwanza Urges Fans to Focus on the Positives
The Kitwe-based goalkeeper admitted he is not pleased that some fans tend to focus more on the negatives.
“You just look and move on. Zambians will never see the good you do for them; they will always bring up a bad moment, but there was no bad moment. In all the goals, I was not even fully involved. You just have to concentrate and focus; that’s all.”
Mwanza made his debut for Zambia at the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) and has since established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for the senior team.
He has kept eight clean sheets this season in the MTN Super League and remains in contention to win back-to-back Golden Glove awards, having claimed the accolade last year.
Mwanza was also Zambia’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he conceded four goals and kept one clean sheet, including three goals against Morocco and a penalty save against Mali.
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