Israel remembers Chaswe Nsofwa

By BENEDICT TEMBO

CHASWE Nsofwa may have been one of Zambia’s most prolific strikers of his era in the early 2000s and memories of his prowess may begin to fade among Zambians but there is one place where they are refusing to die - Israel.

Nearly 20 years after his tragic death on the pitch, Hapoel Be’er Sheva remembered the Zambian international as a striker who elevated the status of the club far beyond the Israeli borders.

The supporters on Saturday yet again demonstrated their passion and remembrance of the late Chipolopolo striker.

During the home team’s match against Hapoel Ramat Gan, the supporters mounted a placard screaming “Forever Chaswe.”

The match fell on the Memorial Day and the sea of red fans dedicated it to Chaswe who played for the club almost two decades ago.

Yet, the former Zanaco striker did not play for Be’er Sheva for a long time as his career was abruptly brought to an end after collapsing on the pitch on August 29, 2007.

Death prematurely ended his two-year contract.

He was 28 years old.

Yet, Be’er Sheva supporters still chose to remember his memory and the contribution he made to the club though brief.

The first Zambian to sign in Israel, Chaswe made just two appearances in which he scored four goals.

Chaswe may have been forgotten by some of the clubs he played for in Zambia and elsewhere but he is still fondly remembered in Israel where he cut his first and only professional teeth.

Ends.