Veteran goalkeeper Rabson Mcheleng’anga has announced his retirement, bringing to a close a career that spanned over two decades.
Nickname Dida, after Brazil World Cup winner Nelson Dida, Mcheleng’anga came through the renowned Chiparamba Academy production line as a promising shot-stopper in 2004.
He then spent a few years at Young Zanaco before switching to Power Dynamos where he played until 2011 when he joined Nchanga Rangers.
In 2014, Nkana came calling. He was part of the Nkana set up for two years before heading to Napsa Stars, his final destination in 2016.
Last week, he parted ways with Napsa following the expiry of his contract and has since announced that, at the age of 39, he believes he has done his part. Now, he feels it is time to focus on contributing to the game at a different level.
“My focus is being an inspiration to many young goalkeepers and having been in the game for a longtime, I would like to continue sharing the knowledge that I have acquired by being a goalkeeper coach or having an academy for goalkeepers,” he told Bolanews exclusively.
On best memories
Mcheleng’anga has fond memories at Napsa such as the Confederation Cup qualification and winning the ABSA Cup.
In 2020, Napsa qualified to the Confederation Cup after finishing fourth with 48 points from 27 games in a season that was cut short owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My best moments were the time we qualified and played continental and reached the group stage under coach Muhammad Fathi and also the time we won ABSA Cup with coach Perry Mutapa,” he said.
Having played football for 21 years, Mcheleng’anga has a word of advice to young keepers.
“To the young goalkeepers in the league they just need to be disciplined on and off the patch,work hard, have belief and praying hard cause I believe the talent we have is God given,” he said.
