Zambian Football star, Shonga, dies at 27: A look at his career

Zambian football star and former Orlando Pirates forward, Justin Shonga, passed away on Sunday after a short illness at the age of 27.

Zambia Police Deputy Spokesperson, Dan Mwale, confirmed the news in an interview with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) media team.

Here are some key facts about Shonga:

1. Early Life: Born on November 5, 1996.

2. Professional Career: Began his professional career with Nkwazi in 2016. He went on to play for Orlando Pirates, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, Cape Town City, Ismaily SC, Sekhukhume United, Gagra, and Najran.

3. Return to Nkwazi: Had a second stint at Nkwazi in 2023 after leaving Sekhukhume United.

4. Orlando Pirates: Signed with Orlando Pirates in late 2017 from Nkwazi F.C.

5. Najran: Joined Najran on February 2, 2024, where he played as a forward for the Saudi Second Division team.

6. International Career: Represented Zambia 33 times.

Shonga passed away at Sikanze Police Hospital after a brief illness.

Condolences have been pouring in, with CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressing heartfelt sympathies to Shonga’s family, FAZ, and the entire Zambian football community.

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