TP Mazembe President Moise Katumbi has expressed relief and gratitude following Rainford Kalaba’s remarkable recovery from a car accident about two weeks ago.
Kalaba, a former Zambia national team captain, was hospitalised after the accident near Lusaka, which tragically claimed one life on April 13.
“This is a miracle from God,” declared Katumbi during a visit to Kalaba at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH). “I’m so grateful to the Zambian government, doctors, nurses, and everyone who supported him.”
Katumbi who said Kalaba was doing well, and happy to see him, said Kalaba should thank God a million times that he survived the accident.
He emphasised his belief that Kalaba could return to football soon.
“He’s alive, he’s recovering well, and he can come back to play his role in football again,” he stated.
The Mazembe president also commended the UTH staff for their efforts.
“This is a very good hospital,” he said, contrasting the positive outcome with initial reports of Kalaba’s death circulating on social media.
Katumbi revealed that he was angered by the club’s general manager for announcing that Kalaba had died after the accident, which misled multiple news outlets.
Katumbi further clarified that Kalaba wasn’t retired but was working as a youth coach for Mazembe while pursuing his coaching license in Lusaka at the time of the accident.
“We have Kalaba, Trésor Mputu, Robert Kidiaba, and Pamphile Mihayo,” Katumbi explained. “We keep our players, and now they’re training young talents.”
He elaborated on his plans for Kalaba’s future. “I want him to become a coach. He’s a clever player who understands the game very well.”
The accident served as a reminder of Kalaba’s illustrious career, particularly his time with TP Mazembe and his role in Zambia’s historic 2012 Africa Cup of Nations victory.
Kalaba’s recovery brings positive news to the Zambian football community, with the possibility of seeing him contribute his knowledge and experience to the sport’s future.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba April 24, 2024
