With the rise of academies like Atletico Lusaka, Happy Hearts, Kafue Celtic and Shamuel Academy, Zambian football never seems to run out of mesmerizing young talents.
Young Zambian footballers could now ply their trade in Europe’s top leagues even before clocking 20 years old.
BolaNews delves into a list of five Zambian teenagers who may be popular figures in football for the next decade.
Miguel Chaiwa (FC Schaffhausen, on loan, Switzerland)
Chaiwa, 19 was the youngest player in the Copper Bullets squad at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON).
He put on a clinic in Zambia’s 1-0 loss to Morocco in the last group match, becoming a fan favorite back in his home country. Prior to his loan move this year, the midfield star became the youngest Zambian debutant in the UEFA Champions’ League group stage at 19 years, 180 days, during Young Boys 2-2 draw with Red Star Belgrade.
Joseph Sabobo Banda (FC Zürich, Switzerland)
Following his 18th birthday, Banda joined Swiss giants FC Zürich on a five-year deal from Atletico Lusaka FC. In 2021 during the COSAFA U17 Championship, winning the Best Player and Top scorer Awards with five goals. Banda has been impressive for FC Zürich II so far, as he awaits his first team debut for the club.
Emmanuel Mwanza (NAPSA Stars, on loan)
Despite Zambia’s group stage exit, Mwanza left his mark at the 2023 U17 AfCON. He scored a brace in Zambia’s 3-2 defeat to South Africa before scoring a late match-winning goal against Morocco. The Kafue Celtic FC star, 17 is currently on loan at Zambian top-flight club NAPSA Stars FC.
His debut match came during NAPSA’s 3 nil defeat at Mutondo Stars in Week 24 of the Zambian Super League.
Sekanji Siame (Konkola Blades, on loan)
This season, the defensive kingpin has arguably been the most impressive right-back in the Zambian Super League. On loan from Sporting Lusaka FC, the 17-year-old has flourished under the stewardship of Beston Chambeshi at Konkola Blades FC. With a goal and four assists in 16 starts, Siame has been a key figure at the back for a Konkola Blades. He also impressed during the 2023 U17 AfCON, particularly in the Junior Chipolopolo’s 2-1 win over Morocco in the closing group match.
Lineker Mbesuma (Jomo Cosmos, South Africa)
Currently playing for South African third-tier side Jomo Cosmos, Lineker Mbesuma inherits his father Collins’ goal-scoring prowess. He made headlines recently after scoring seven goals in a match against Western Boys.
READ ALSO: “I am ready for Chipolopolo duty”-Rodwell Mulungushi reveals.
His father, Collins Mbesuma, holds the record for the most league goals in a South African topflight season, netting 25 times for Kaizer Chiefs in 2004–05. Speaking about his outing with the Chipolopolo squad at the 2023 U17 AfCON, Lineker said, “It feels great to be here. My dad [Collins Mbesuma] has been a big influence, and he has been guiding me so far. I know he has made a big name back home, and I am here to write my own.”
