ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
“It is amazing and motivating to see Mwepu, Daka and Fashion making an impact in Europe. Their progress in Europe shows that any Zambian player can be successful provided they remain disciplined and focused,” says ZESCO United attacking midfielder, Mukuka Chanda.
Like many young footballers with humble beginnings, Mukuka’s sharp rise in the game has not only been exacerbated by his desire to one-day become a star player for Zambia but also due to his yearning to one day become his family’s breadwinner.
Like the late Argentine legendary striker, Diego Armando Maradona, PSG’s Lionel Messi and Portuguese star player Cristiano Ronaldo whose relentless pursuit for success on the field was partly catapulted by a great desire to lift their families out of abject poverty, Chanda has already assumed the role of provider with great oomph.
At 20, Chanda knows that he may just be that window of hope for his family beyond the scars of hardships.
“I have been raised by a single parent. My mother is ever encouraging me to work hard because she believes that through football, I can start providing for the family. She is always encouraging me to push harder and focus on the game.”
Early this year, Chanda made a surprise move from Ndola’s Lower Division side, Gomes to Zambian Super League giants ZESCO United on a 2-year loan move.
It didn’t take long for the young attacking midfielder to show why Numba Mumamba made him one of his first signings when he joined the Zambian league champions as Head coach.
“I couldn’t believe it when I was first told that ZESCO United wanted to sign me because this is a big club with a lot of star players. It was only when my manager called me that I took the story seriously, recalls Chanda.
“It didn’t take too long for me to settle because the senior players here have been very helpful especially Kelvin Kampamba. He encouraged me a lot not to be scared and to work hard. I always wanted to play for ZESCO United because it is a big club in Zambia.”
Since signing for the league champions, Chanda has flourished in the middle of the park owing to the support he continues to receive from ZESCO United’s senior players.
“It has been surprisingly easy for me to settle here. I was initially scared because there are a lot of big talented players here and am a small boy. There is Donashano, Kamusoko, Rusike and Ching’andu.
“I was scared that I was not going to get enough game time. However, it has been easy to play because of the support I got from all the senior players. I am particularly excited to play alongside Kamusoko, Rusike or John because they don’t shout at me when I make mistakes.”
With a handful of Zambian players taking some of the finest European leagues by storm, Chanda is optimistic he will one day make his dream move to Europe.
“It is amazing to watch Enock Mwepu, Fashion Sakala and Patson Daka playing in Europe. Their breakthrough is motivating to every young player to work extra hard. I know I am still developing but I have hope that in 2-3 seasons, I can also see myself playing in Europe.”
An ardent follower of Zambian International Midfield maestro, Clatous Chota Chama, Chanda is working hard to perfect his art.
“I like Clatous because he can create opportunities and score. It is something that I want to see develop in my style of play. I can pass, dribble but I am not scoring goals which is something crucial for a player like me. I am working hard to achieve this target.”
Chanda’s short stay at ZESCO United has already seen the young midfielder bag his first league title with the Ndola based league giants.
“It is a great achievement to win the league with ZESCO United. Everyone wants to win the league as such am very proud that I was able to do that in my first season with the club. I am working hard to ensure that we continue on the same path even this season.”
Author: Desmond Katongo
