Chipolopolo boys midfielder arrives home safe

Israeli-based Zambian striker Kings Kangwa has safely returned to Zambia, while government authorities have confirmed that Fashion Sakala and other Zambian footballers playing in the Middle East remain safe despite rising regional tensions.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe told Parliament that government officials have been closely monitoring the safety of Zambian nationals in the Gulf and Israel as unrest in the region escalates.

“The teams that have been given the duty of tracking each and every Zambian have equally been in touch with those in Saudi Arabia, and we are keeping a close eye on them. All of them are our national treasures,” Haimbe said.

Kangwa, who plays for Israeli club Hapoel Be'er Sheva, reassured supporters of his safety in a Facebook post after arriving back home in Zambia.

“Dear everyone, I would just like to let you know that I have safely arrived back home in Zambia. Thank you to everybody who has been checking on me and sending messages to make sure I am safe. I truly appreciate the support,” he wrote.

The Zambian contingent currently playing in the Middle East includes Sakala, who features for Saudi Pro League side Al‑Fayha FC. Other players in Saudi Arabia’s second tier include Joshua Budo Mutale, Emmanuel Banda and Kennedy Musonda.

Additional Zambian players in the region are Songa Chipyoka and Susan Katongo in Israel, while Enock Sakala is based in the United Arab Emirates with Gulf United FC.

Haimbe’s remarks came in response to concerns raised by Miles Sampa, Member of Parliament for Matero, who sought assurance that the government had been in contact with national team captain Sakala.

The minister assured lawmakers that all Zambian players abroad, including Sakala, remain safe even as tensions in the Middle East have triggered heightened military activity and flight disruptions across parts of the Gulf region.