Tributes are flooding in from the football community following the sudden passing of former Chipolopolo Boys forward Justin Shonga, who died on Sunday at Sikanze Police Hospital in Lusaka after a short illness.
Former Orlando Pirates and Chipolopolo Boys coach Milutin Sredojevic [Micho] and Zanaco head coach Wedson Nyirenda, both of whom coached Shonga on the national team, have sent in their tributes.
“Dear Justin, in the name of all of us who had the privilege to have you in the Orlando Pirates and Zambia, we express our sincere gratitude and honest appreciation for each moment we have spent together, garnished with unforgettable memories. May your soul rest in peace as we regret your too early departure.” Micho posted on X.
Nyirenda also wrote, “Justin Shonga, my son, I have no strength to hold this one. You have gone too soon. You couldn’t wait to finish showing what you possess. Rest in peace.”
The former Orlando Pirates attacker was on the books of Saudi Arabian second-tier club Najran SC, which he signed in January 2024.
Shonga represented the national team under Nyirenda, Sven Vandenbroeck, Aggrey Chiyangi, and Sredojevic, respectively.
From 2017 to 2021, Shonga was a key member of the Chipolopolo squad, amassing 33 games and scoring 16 goals.
He joined Orlando Pirates from Nkwazi FC in 2017 and made a positive contribution to the team during Micho’s reign.
Shonga scored 16 goals and provided 16 assists in 77 appearances for the Soweto-based club before moving on to play for Cape Town City, Ismaily, Sekhukhune United, and FC Gagra.
