Born and raised in the remote border village of Chingi in Chavuma District, Northwestern Province, Evans Kayombo’s journey to the top of Zambian football is a story of resilience, hope, and determination.
Kayombo began his football career with Border Bullets in Chingi before joining Chavuma Academy in the FAZ Division Four. In 2022, determined to take his talent further, he moved to Lusaka with help from his coach, Phillimon Mukosayi, who gave him transport money to attend trials in the capital.
With no relatives in Lusaka, football administrator Gideon Kaumba—who also hails from Chavuma—opened his doors to the young striker. Kayombo began trials at MTN Super League side NAPSA Stars, where he impressed and joined Young Napsa before earning a promotion to the senior team in 2024 and signing a three-year contract.
“It was a dream come true but on the way I met destiny helpers like my coach Mukosayi and Mr Kaumba, who took me in. I am forever grateful for believing in my potential,” Kayombo told BolaNews.
His breakthrough came in the just-ended 2024–25 MTN Super League season, where he finished as NAPSA Stars’ top scorer with eight goals and four assists, catching the attention of national team selectors.
“When I was in the village, I used to admire the likes of Patson Daka, Lameck Banda and would always wonder how they made it. Being here feels like a dream come true but I want to achieve more,” he said.
People back home are proud of me- Kayombo
Now 24, Kayombo has made history as the first footballer from Chavuma in recent memory to receive a call-up to the Zambian national team. His inclusion in the squad for the 2025 COSAFA Championship has sparked joy and pride in his hometown, located over 800km from Lusaka.
“I think my hard work has paid off and today I am at the national team. As we go to the COSAFA tournament, if given a chance I really want the nation to know that your background does can not stop you from achieving your dreams and I can also do it for the nation,” he said.
“I hope to win the COSAFA tournament with the team, and I ask Zambians to support us as we go and fight for the nation.”
Despite dropping out of school in Grade 9, Kayombo remains focused on using his football career to change his life and support his siblings back home in Chingi.
“I know my people in the village are very happy. And I want to make them proud and hope many of them will follow in my footsteps,” he said.
“I want to encourage my friends back home not to give up. They should continue believing and fighting and remain disciplined. Nothing is impossible.”
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