For years, moving from the Super League to the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) was a major career step, but for some players, the transition has come with challenges.
Recently, several forwards have left Zambia after impressive campaigns only to struggle to replicate their form in South Africa, raising questions over whether Moses Shumah can break the jinx when he begins his new chapter with AmaZulu.
The Kenyan striker left Power Dynamos after a sensational one-season spell with the defending FAZ Super League champions.
He leaves as last season’s top scorer with 21 goals, helping the Kitwe side retain the title.
However, Shumah will be aware of the struggles faced by some of the players who made similar moves before him.
Lazarus Kambole
In 2019, Lazarus Kambole left Zesco United for one of South Africa’s biggest clubs, Kaizer Chiefs, after developing a reputation as one of Zambia’s most dangerous attackers.
But the move did not produce the expected results, with Kambole struggling to make a lasting impact at Naturena before eventually leaving the club.
Christian Saile
Kaizer Chiefs again turned to Zambia when they signed Christian Saile from Nchanga Rangers.
Saile arrived with promise after impressing in the Zambian league, but like Kambole, he found it difficult to establish himself in the PSL and failed to consistently deliver the performances expected of him.
Andy Boyeli
In June 2024, Andy Boyeli followed the same path when he left Power Dynamos for Sekhukhune United.
Will Shumah Break the Jinx?
The striker had been one of the standout performers in Zambia, but his time in South Africa has been a tougher challenge, with the forward managing six league goals since joining the club.
Shumah now carries the hopes of proving that Zambian league forwards can succeed in South Africa.
With a Golden Boot-winning season behind him and a proven ability to find the back of the net, the Kenyan striker will be hoping his move to AmaZulu becomes a different story from those who came before him.
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