Serbian-based midfielder Kings Kangwa has shared words of solidarity with Chipolopolo teammate Lameck Banda following his goal drought in Italy.
Back in 2019, Banda made his big move to Europe when Russian club Arsenal Tula signed the winger from Zambian Super League outfit ZESCO United.
He spent a season at the club before being sent on consecutive loan spells at Israeli clubs Maccabi Netanya and Maccabi Petah Tikva, respectively. It was the latter that eventually signed the Chipolopolo starlet permanently from Arsenal Tula for a deal worth €300,000.
It was not long before Serie A newcomers US Lecce came chasing after the signature of the wing wizard and secured their man for €2 million from the Israeli club. Banda’s contract is set to keep him at the Italian club until 2026, with an option to add another year.
He made his debut for US Lecce when he came on as a substitute for Federico de Francesco in the 74th minute of a 2-1 defeat to Inter Milan.
On November 22, 2022, Banda wrote his name into the history books when he became the first Zambian to score a goal in Serie A. He fired in a beautiful late goal to secure all three points in US Lecce’s 2-0 win over Sampdoria.
However, that has been his only goal for the Italian club in 30 league appearances since last summer.
Banda still optimistic despite goal drought
The 22-year-old has put up a lot of spirited performances in Italy. He has usually been leaving defenders for dead with his trickery and pace.
His only struggle has been finding the knack for scoring goals with US Lecce on a regular basis. Banda took to social media to remind fans that he is still optimistic about the situation, writing: “I may not have everything figured [out], but I have a God who does.”
Former Arsenal Tula teammate Kings Kangwa penned an encouraging message to Lameck Banda in the comment section of the latter’s post.
He replied, “Keep pushing, bro. Goals will come.”
Banda was very appreciative of the piece of encouragement from his Chipolopolo teammate as he responded, “Thanks very much, bro”.
Of course, just like Kangwa, most fans and pundits are very aware of the potential that Banda has to score goals.
It wasn’t long ago when the dazzling winger fashioned two heroic strikes to secure Zambia’s 3-1 win over Lesotho.
The first of the two goals was a powerful header from a Kangwa corner that any striker in the world would have been proud of. His second on the night was a goal typical of a flamboyant winger, as he beat his marker and fired into the far corner.
READ MORE: First silverware in Europe thrills Red Star’s Kangwa
Well, as long as Banda is given enough minutes to showcase his talent, it’s not long before the goals come flowing in.
In his last match against AC Milan, he came close to finding the back of the net after hitting the woodwork once. The Chipolopolo winger started and played 79 minutes of the match.
