Africa Soccer Former Baroka keeper explains why he snubbed SA teams for Zambian club

Former South Africa’s Baroka FC goalkeeper Cyril Chibwe has disclosed why he snubbed offers from the DStv Premiership teams in South Africa to sign for Zambia giants Zesco United.

Chibwe, who has signed a two-year contract with the former Zambia Super League champions, said he did a career and private life cost- benefit analysis which informed his decision making.

The 28-year-old was born in South African to Zambian parents; hence he said he did not think twice when the opportunity to sign for Zesco arose.

To be honest, I have been in South Africa all my life and coming to Zambia wasn’t even a hustle for me because it’s something personal and special. Obviously, I had offers in South Africa, but I had to sit down with my manager and weigh the options in terms of where I was to benefit as a player,” he said.

Prospects of playing for Zambia in the African Nations Championship, a competition for home-based players only, and in the CAF Confederations Cup with Zesco also influenced his decision, Chibwe said.

CAF competitions give you great exposure. As a player, you look for things like this in your career. You gain experience outside the country playing in the Champions League and the Confederations Cup. I think it is a way to build a player and the club,” he said.

The former Polokwane City goalminder has joined the nine-time Zambia champions following the expiry of his contract with relegated Baroka.

The keeper made a name at Polokwane when they were campaigning in the top-flight league and eventually earned Zambia call-up.

However, of late, Chibwe has lost his first-choice Zambia jersey to Toaster Nsabata of Sekhukhune.

At Zesco, the Zambian keeper faces competition from Kenyan Ian Otieno and fellow Chipolopolo shot-stopper Gregory Sanjase.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *