Ayr United FC fans in Scotland have raised £2,325 (K55,981,15) for Chipolopolo defender, Frankie Musonda’s Zambian super fan to travel to Ayrshire and watch the club’s matches at Somerset Park.
What started on social media for a 32-year-old Monze-based Zambian fan, Charles Chibaala, has gained him recognition from his fellow fans in Ayrshire, through his comments on Facebook and Twitter.
Chibaala made headlines in Scotland for his continued love and support for the club and Musonda on social media.
He has narrated to BolaNews how it all began.
“When they signed Frankie, I became an ardent follower of the club. So one day I made a comment on their Facebook page that I wanted the club’s shirt, and someone came to my inbox asking for my address,” Chibaala narrated.
“A month later, he sent me the Ayr replica and scarf. Since then I have never missed Ayr’s matches.”
The Scottish fans through a crowdfunding campaign have raised the £2,325 for Chibaala, a teacher and lawyer by profession, to travel and watch the Ayr United’s games at Somerset Park in Scotland.
Chibaala has also attracted the attention of Musonda who sent him a video to appreciate his continued support.
The Chipolopolo defender also hopes to meet him during the international break later this month.
Musonda in the video said: “ Hi, Charles it’s Frankie here from Ayr United. I have been hearing a lot about you , been seeing a lot of comments. I thank you for your support. Hopefully the next time I come over to Zambia for the international break , I will be able to meet you.”
Chibaala’s dream trip to Ayr United’s Somerset Park slows
Chibaala is ready to make his dream trip to Scotland to watch Ayr but first, he has to wait for the Zambian Authorities to give him his passport which has taken longer than usual.
“Money for my round trip flight ticket has been raised already and it is upon me to do the needful. But the passport office have not printed my passport since December last year,” bemoaned Chibaala.
“I’m scheduled to travel to Ayrshire, Scotland this August courtesy of Ayr United fans. Currently, I’m waiting for my passport in order for me to begin processing the Visa.”
Chibaala is hoping that the passports office in Zambia speeds up the process for his dream to come true.
Musonda has become a fan favourite since switching his international allegiance to Zambia.
He has also earned himself a nickname, “The Remote Controller,” because of his style of play, which constantly involves organizing his teammates and communicating through hand gestures on the pitch.
Meanwhile, after being away for three months with an injury, he returned to action toward the end of last month.
On Tuesday night, Musonda started for Ayr United who thrashed Greenock Morton 1-3 in a Championship league match.
Coach Avram Grant is now expected to name him in his squad for Zambia’s back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifier matches against Lesotho on the 23rd and 26th of March 2023.
The former Chelsea FC manager who is now in charge of the Chipolopolo will bank on the likes of Leicester City’s Patson Daka, Rangers FC striker Fashion Sakala, Frankie Musonda, etc. to qualify Zambia for the Africa Cup.
Zambia and Comoros both have 3 points, while Ivory Coast has 4 points and tops Group H. Lesotho is at the bottom of the group with one point.
The 2012 African champions are looking to qualify for the Africa Cup after missing the last three editions.
