ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
Zambia National Team and ZESCO United defender Shemmy Mayembe has experienced both success and failure at different levels of the game.
He won Zambia’s first U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title and played a significant role in the country’s U-20 FIFA World Cup success in 2017 which saw the young Chipolopolo Boys finish in the quarter finals to the elation of an entire nation and continent.
Success at junior national team level, however, couldn’t catapult Mayembe to a permanent role in a ZESCO United side that was then made up star players.
A switch from ZESCO United to Ukrainian side FC Minaji and back to the Zambian Super league giants has had a profound effect on the defender.
In this exclusive Q and A interview, ZESCO United Media Officer, Desmond Katongo talks to Mayembe about his return to the domestic game and his recent call up to the National Team.
Tell me about your second coming to ZESCO United after a brief stint in Europe. How has it been so far?
It has been great to go outside Zambia and play in Europe. It has been great because of the experience I have gained in Ukraine.
You found a totally different set up from the one you left. Was it difficult to transition back into the team?
Not difficult, though it’s just a few players who left when I left for Ukraine and I found old players that I had left. It wasn’t difficult for me to catch up or transition.
Every player looks out for greener pasture by going to play in Europe. What part of your game do you think has improved since your return from Europe?
Going to Europe has helped me gain a lot of experience. We have been playing in Zambia but there I found better infrastructure, the pitches are good compared to here and professionalism is also at a high standard.
You didn’t have a lot of game time prior to your departure for Europe. Now you are one of the dependable players. How does that make you feel?
It is good, but before I was a little bit young, searching for experience, but I have come back an experienced player. I wouldn’t like what happened before to continue happening because I came back here not just to be part of the team but to help the team get expected results.
We finished second in the league and qualified for CAF competitions. How much impact do you want to have on the team?
Talking of CAF, I have played at this stage before I went to Ukraine and back. With the little experience I have gained that side, I think I will add something to the team that will help the team to go further in the competition.
How does it feel to be called to the national?
It can only be by the special grace of God, being part of this wonderful group. I am privileged to be handed this call-up and am grateful. I believe have been here before. I am part of this team to help the nation qualify for AFCON. I am not just here to be part of this group but to make an impact and make the team get intended results.
It is not your first time winning the Africa Cup of Nations at U-20 level and playing at the World Cup. How much confidence does that give any young player?
It is exciting moments playing at the big stage like the World Cup U-20. It was an overwhelming moment being part of the U-20. I must say I was grateful for the support the fans gave us.
Many players have transitioned. Mwepu, Fashion and Daka are in Europe. Do you see yourself getting back to Europe and playing at the level?
Of course, I am also looking at that stage because I have already tasted the feeling of being in Europe and I believe with the help of God, remaining disciplined and working hard, I believe my time will come to have that chance to play at that level again.
At National Team the focus is qualifying for AFCON. Do we have what it takes to qualify for the Ivory Coast 2023 Africa Cup?
There is no bigger team in Africa, it is the best team on that day that will carry the day. You can’t say Ivory Coast is a big team and Zambia is a small team. Ivory coast can’t consider us to be a small team because we have beaten them before in the finals and I believe we can pick it up from there.
Lastly Shemmy, the breakaway from that U-20 side. There are a few players who have made it at this stage. Why do you think there are just a few of you who are still standing?
Like I said, it is by the grace of God, and remaining disciplined, working hard and knowing what you want in life. I can’t say that I am cleverer than others. Sometimes in life such things happen. I believe they will also bounce back. I must be grateful that I am part of the national team now. And I am just wishing them to comeback stronger also to work extra hard.
