MAYEMBE: IT FEELS GOOD TO BE BACK HOME

U-20 Africa Cup winning defender Shemmy Mayembe is delighted to renew ties with ZESCO United 2-years after opting to join Ukrainian side Mynai.

Mayembe left the league defending champions in 2020 with high hopes seeking greener pasture in Europe.

The 24-year-old defender’s stay in Europe ended last year with Mayembe opting to renew vows with his boyhood favourite local team.

“It feels good to be back at home having spent five years at ZESCO United. It is also good that I spent some time away(abroad). It was a fantastic experience for me particularly in as far as gaining more knowledge and experience is concerned.

The only difference is the level of experience I have acquired playing outside. When I was here; I wasn’t that experienced but going abroad has helped a lot. The knowledge I have acquired and gained am sure will help the team in many ways,” Mayembe added.

Mayembe returns to ZESCO United after a period of mouthful changes both on and off the pitch.

“I am very happy with the way everyone has received me. It feels like I never went anywhere. There have been several changes at the club but for me it’s not much.

“I worked closely with coach Mumamba during the formulation of the U-20 National Team that won the title in 2017.There are still a lot of old faces like John and Winston Kalengo. It is like I never left.”

Meanwhile Mayembe believes ZESCO United remains a place of high standards and expectations.

“This club demands high standards and expectations. This is what has been laid down going by the club’s previous performances. The standards are that we must win titles and most importantly play in the CAF competitions and beat our own record.

“Remember in 2016 we reached the semi-final of CAF champions league. We must beat that record.”

 Mayembe further believes that the experience he has acquired playing abroad will help the team’s quest to win a 10^th league title.

“We have a good chance to re-claim the title. I have been here for a while, and there have been phases when the team has struggled. When we met Nkana, we all knew that it was redemption time.

It is all about preparations. We are preparing very well with the help of the coach, and the group is focused. The Nkana victory was a huge boost for us in terms of regaining confidence.”

Author: Desmond Katongo