Before we enter the new year, let’s pause to reflect and celebrate some of the members of the football family who lost their lives in 2024. Lest we forget, this year, we have lost some players, administrators, and devoted supporters.
Bolanews honours the lives of the following friends and sources.
Justin Shonga
It feels like just yesterday when we heard the news of Shonga’s passing, yet it has already been six months. The former Chipolopolo striker died on June 30, barely three years after his final game for Zambia.
Shonga, a Chipata native, was a prolific striker who shot to prominence at Super League side Nkwazi in 2016. He went on to have a career beyond the borders, playing for South African giants Orlando Pirates, TTM, Cape Town City, and Sekhukhune United.
He had brief spells at Ismaily SC and Georgian side Gabre. At the time of his death, it was reported that he was in the process of working out another deal. May His Soul Rest in Peace.
Hanif Adams
If a book about Zambian football was to be written, Hanif’s name would be a chapter on its own. His contribution to the development of the game in our country was immense.
On September 8, 2024, Zambian football lost a legend who died at age 70 after a long illness.
Veteran writer Kalumiana Kalumiana describes the Lusaka Dynamos founder as “the doyen of privately held club administration.”
Hanif’s legacy is summed up in the sea of players his Lusaka Dynamos produced.
Lusekelo Kamwambi
What can we say about the loss of Lusekelo Kamwambi?
October 11 was such a dark day in the history of our football when we all learnt that Zambia’s Africa Cup of Nation (AfCON) winning team manager had died.
Kamwambi’s association with the game predates the AfCON triumph in Libereville, Gabon. He started out as an official at the defunct Nkwiza before being appointed manager for the under-23.
His biggest accolade was obviously the AfCON success in 2012.
In the words of football icon Kalusha Bwalya, “his unwavering dedication and passion for football will always be remembered and cherished.”
Norin Betani
Betani was a flower that never fully blossomed. Those who watched her play for Indeni Roses believed she was the next big thing in Zambian women football. But the cold hand of death struck too soon.
She passed away on February 21 after an illness, having been admitted to the hospital during a Copper Queens camp just days before their 2024 Olympic qualifier against Ghana.
Betani was among the 30 players selected for the provisional squad for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifier in Accra.
Others
We also extend our tributes to other members of the football family who passed away this year, including former Chipolopolo, Zesco, and Nakambala striker Shy Kumwenda.
We remember the seven Chavuma Town Council FC players and staff who tragically lost their lives in a road traffic accident in Lukunyi village, Zambezi District, Northwestern Province, in October.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace!
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