Zambian wonderkid Joseph Sabobo Banda completed a permanent move from FC Zurich to Hapoel Be’er Sheva on Thursday. He has joined the Israeli side on a four-year deal.
Sabobo, who joined with FC Zurich till 2029 from Zambian team Atletico Lusaka FC, was expected to achieve great things there. Hence, his premature departure to Israel has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits.
The Israel Premier League ranks below the Swiss Super League in UEFA’s coefficient rankings, forcing many to believe that Sabobo’s transfer is a downgrade.
However, here are three reasons why Sabobo’s move to Hapoel Be’er Sheva could work in his favor.
Sabobo played just nine Swiss Super League matches since 2023-24 without starting any of them. Last season, Sabobo only clocked 271 minutes with the first team in all competitions.
At Hapoel Be’er Sheva, he is expected to be a valuable addition to a side aiming for the Israeli Premier League title.
More playing time anticipated in Israel
Chipolopolo midfielder Kings Kangwa, who plays for Hapoel Be’er Sheva, took the Liga Ha’Al by storm last season, scoring 14 goals and providing nine assists in 35 games to bag the Best Foreign Player award.
Similar to Sabobo, Kangwa joined Hapoel Be’er Sheva after struggling for minutes at Red Star Belgrade in Serbia. Now, Sabobo will be hoping to replicate Kangwa’s resurgence and make similar impact in Israel.
Given their chemistry from playing together for the Chipolopolo Boys and Kangwa’s experience in European football, Sabobo will thrive under his compatriot’s guidance at Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
Switching from the Zambian topflight to a highly technical league like the Swiss Super League can be challenging for a young player.
Sabobo was on the books of Nkwazi FC, on loan from Atletico Lusaka, when he made the transfer to FC Zurich.
Now, a move to the Israel Premier League could serve as a valuable steppingstone in his career. Having seen several Zambian players including Emmanuel Mayuka, Rodgers Kola, William Njobvu, Lameck Banda and Kings Kangwa compete in Israel, Sabobo will be confident of making his mark.
READ ALSO: Sabobo joins Hapoel Beer Sheva from FC Zurich.
