…and joins TP Mazembe coaching bench
AFTER an exciting 18-year football journey that saw him win the Africa Cup of Nations with the Chipolopolo, veteran midfield genius Rainford Kalaba has hung up his football boots.
Kalaba, whose football journey was launched in 2005 at Afrisport Kitwe United announced that he would be joining the TP Mazembe technical bench after hanging up his boots.
The 37-year-old 2012 AFCON winner played for Nice B, Zesco United, and Braga before he joined the Congolese giant’s TP Mazembe in 2011.
He said it was an honor to have been part of Mazembe, a team he captained and helped win the CAF Champions League in 2015.
“After 13 years at TP Mazembe, today I hang my boots. It is my gratitude and honor to have been part of the Mazembe family during my playing days. I’ll never forget the good times I had on the pitch in the TP jersey and captain the team once in my soccer career,” Kalaba said in a post posted on his official social media post.
“I am sad to announce my retirement to all my fans around the world, it hasn’t been an easy journey for me.
“I am glad that I will continue working with the TP Mazembe Technical Team. Let’s see what this new journey has to offer. Thank you once more to you all my beloved fans God bless,” he said.
Meanwhile, former Chipolopolo captain Christopher Katongo has thanked Kalaba for his dedication and contribution to the Chipolopolo squad.
“It was a humbling and beautiful experience we had together on the pitch for mother Zambia and on Africa’s largest football stage AFCON.
“We had our low moments and our cheerful moments. You played your part, gave the national team your best, and went on to an even bigger stage in your career at TP,” Katongo said.
“I know you inspired a lot of young champs today who are still looking up to you Munthu Wandi. As we know, once a footballer, always one. I know you will continue off the pitch and contribute to football in Zambia when needed and across the border,” Katongo said.
Katongo and Kalaba were captain and vice-captain of the Chipolopolo and played a key role as Zambia lifted its maiden AFCON trophy in 2012 in Gabon.
