ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
When Zambia respectfully bowed out of the 2017 U-20 FIFA World Cup tournament at the quarter-final stage, questions over the long term future of the 21 young players who had earlier that year stunned a nation with the first U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title started popping-up.
Like many African Football Associations that often struggle to keep track of their rising stars beyond the age group teams, the country’s FA was well aware of the predicament that lay ahead for the lads.
The 2017 U-20 National team was a bucketful of budding young players who did not only dazzle the local fans with some brilliant football but also offered a rare glimpse into the future of the Zambian game.
This was a time when the Senior National team was grappling to make its presence felt at the international level, 5-years after Zambia won the first senior Africa Cup of Nations title.
Out of the 21 players who made their maiden World Cup quarter-final appearance, only a handful had secured their professional careers.
Patson Daka had penned a 5-year deal with Austrian Bundesliga side FC Red Bull Salzburg. Edward Chilufya was on the cards of Swedish club Djurgårdens IF, Fashion Sakala was heading to Russian side FC Spartak Moscow from Zanaco, Enock Mwepu was about to join Daka at Red Bull Salzburg, and Emmanuel Banda was with Portuguese side SC Esmoriz. The rest of the squad was staring at a possible swim or sink situation.
23-year-old Edward Tembo was among many promising young players whose future in the game wasn’t quite clear beyond that famous World Cup outing.
Now at ZESCO United, the country’s biggest and successful club side in recent years, Tembo shares his experience of being part of that U-20 side and life at his new home.
“I was very lucky to be part of that Zambia U-20 side. I think it was one of the best assembled sides with very talented players. Every department in that team was well covered.”
Tembo was among a few young players who made the 21-man squad assembled by Coach Beston Chambeshi to represent Zambia at the 2017 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup.
He was also among those who would not kick a ball during the two tournaments. Tembo’s chances of getting in the starting XI were hampered largely due to the unquestionable level of talent at coach Chambeshi’s disposal.
The right-back position was well marshalled by the hardworking Shemmy Mayembe who bore the traits of Brazilian Defender, Dani Alves. Prosper Chiluya, confidently covered the left-back. In the middle of the park, Enock ‘Computer’ Mwepu was the architect of some sublime moves and passes that caused havoc to any opposition team.
“I could play as a left or right back and also as a midfielder. However, these positions were covered by some of the finest young players I played with at that time. Shemmy Mayembe, Prosper Chiluya, and you had Enock Mwepu in the midfield. It was always going to be a tough contest not just for me but even for other players who wanted to be in the starting XI.”
After that AFCON success, Zambia automatically qualified for the FIFA World Cup. But before they could travel to the prestigious junior tournament, the team was invited to participate in the Four Nations tournament hosted by South Korea.
It was an opportunity for Coach Chambeshi to test the rest of his squad. This was Tembo’s opportunity to have a feel of what it meant to play against some of the best youth teams at global level.
Zambia emerged runners up in the competition after beating Ecuador 2-0, Honduras 4-1, before losing to South Korea 4-0.
“It was a dream come true to participate in the Four Nations tournament. The tempo was different, the football was different. That was the highest level you could play at the junior level. It was important for me in terms of what to expect if I was to make it at the highest level.”
When Zambia was eliminated at the quarter-final stage of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, Tembo was already thinking about his career back home.
A short spell at Gomes and a failed move to Zanaco saw a determined Tembo strike a deal with Super League outfit, City of Lusaka.
“It was a difficult period for me because when you are part of a great side at the national level, winning Africa Cup of Nations and featuring at the World Cup, your next desire is to play for the best club in the country. I could have signed for Zanaco but I was going to start in the youth side. I decided to join City of Lusaka on a six months’ deal because they assured me a first start in the main team.”
Determined to prove his sceptics wrong, Tembo set the 2017/2018 league season alight with some superb perfomances at Yamoto. His explosive performances in the middle of the park saw him earn the captain’s armband.
A 47 minute cracking goal from afar against Mighty Mufulira Wanderers, in a week 21 fixture left spectators that made part of the crowd at the then Woodlands stadium in a state of awe.
Tembo’s exploits at City of Lusaka caught the attention of some of the country’s biggest teams.
“I was appointed team captain at City of Lusaka. This meant leading a group largely made up of old and experienced players. This motivated me to work even extra hard because I had to lead by example. City of Lusaka opened doors for me because almost all the big teams in the country took notice of my performances at the club.”
Tembo’s heroic performances at City made him one of the most sort after young player in the land. And when ZESCO United came calling, the young man from Lusaka couldn’t resist playing for one of the country’s biggest club side.
“I was a keen follower of ZESCO United even before I signed for them. I could watch them in both the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. This is also one of the most professionally run football club in the country. I couldn’t resist penning a deal with them when they came calling. It was a dream come true.”
Playing for a big team comes with its own challenges and responsibilities. Tembo joined a star-studded side with many local and foreign players.
“When I joined ZESCO United, I knew too well that I was joining perhaps one of the best-assembled team in the country. I also knew that I needed to up my game if I was to break through the main team. You have the likes of Kondwani Mtonga, Jesse Were, Odhiambo, Jacob Banda, Winstone Kalengo, that motivated me to work hard.”
Although not a regular in the starting XI, Tembo is not unfazed by the lack of game time. The young midfielder believes that he is at the right club and the right time will come for him to be the main man in the team.
“I was given a lot of game time in my first year of joining the team. I am not in a rush because I believe my time will come to shine. The big guys have also been advising me to be patient and to work hard. I want to be here for many years to come like Jacob Banda and Kondwani Mtonga.”
Tembo’s steady rise in the game has largely been catapulted by hardwork and his burning desire and determination to be counted among the best in the game. At 23-years, he has a great opportunity to become ZESCO United’s future star player and a club legend.
“I am very fortunate to have been part of that U-20 side. Being part of that class of players made me became a professional footballer I am today, on and off the pitch. That experience has guided me throughout my time here at ZESCO United. Without it, I wouldn’t have reached where I am today.”
Author: Desmond Katongo
