Zambia football legend Rainford Kalaba has been discharged from hospital after making a significant recovery following in a severe accident, according to the latest medical updates.

The former Chipolopolo captain was a passenger in a Mercedes-Benz that collided head-on with a truck in a distressing incident initially feared to have claimed his life.

Nzeba Chanda, the Public Relations Officer at University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Lusaka, confirmed in a statement that the former Chipolopolo captain will now recuperate from home.

“Rainford Kalaba has been discharged from the UTH-Adult where he was admitted after being involved in a road traffic accident two weeks ago,” read part of the statement obtained by Africa Top Sports, adding: “Today (Friday) marks exactly 14 days from the time of his admission. He is going to recuperate at his family home.”

The accident, which occurred due to what preliminary investigations suggest was improper overtaking, resulted in the tragic death of the female driver at the scene, while Kalaba was rushed to intensive care.

Kalaba helped Zambia win their maiden Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) crown in 2012, shocking Ivory Coast on penalties in the final. He went on to captain his country and made more than 100 senior appearances for the Chipolopolo.

At club level, Kalaba was a stalwart for Mazembe in an era when they won the African Champions League, two African Super Cups and an African Confederation Cup title. He previously had spells in his homeland with Kitwe United and Zesco United, and moved to Portuguese club Braga in 2008.

However, he only made one appearance for the club and had loan stints with Gil Vicente and Uniao de Leiria before his move to DR Congo.