Former Zambian National Team striker James Chamanga has been on the books of Red Arrows since 2019 after returning from China, where he spent 10 years playing in the top-flight league.
The striker, who was part of the Chipolopolo squad that won the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, helped Red Arrows win the 2020–21 Zambian Super League title.
In an interview with, BolaNews, the 43-year-old veteran striker said, “I am slowing down. I want to play two more seasons, this season and next season, before I can retire.”
Chamanga said he will hang up his boots at the end of the 2024–25 Super League season.
He has also set his sights on winning the Super League and qualifying for the CAF Champions League before concluding his illustrious football career.
“This year we are working with the club’s set targets, which are to win the league and qualify for the CAF Champions League.”
He added, “We are making efforts to reach the set targets. I am at a stage where making a name is not part of the agenda, so I am working with my teammates so that we can push for the title. I want to win the Super League before I retire.”
Chamnga said he “would also like to play in the CAF Champions League one more time. It would be exciting to win both the CAF Champions League and the local league before I retire because I don’t have much time in my legs.”
“Discipline has allowed me to still play at the highest level” – Chamnga
The former Liaoning Football Club striker believes hard work and discipline have helped him prolong his career and urges the young players to remain disciplined.
“Discipline has allowed me to still play at the highest level in Zambia today, despite being 43. I don’t get chosen because I am 43; I get chosen because I can still compete.”
The veteran striker has played for various clubs in Zambia, South Africa, and China.
On the local front, Chamanga started out with the Makumbi Stars before joining the City of Lusaka in 2003.
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He was then loaned to Zanaco Football Club in 2005, where he attracted the attention of Bush Bucks of South Africa.
In the South African Premier Soccer League, he featured for clubs such as Moroka Swallows and Supersport United before moving to China in 2008 to join Dalian Shide and later Liaoning Football Club.
