Pirates continue their Zambian legacy
Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Isaac Chansa believes Justin Shonga and Augustine Mulenga will continue the good legacy of Zambian players at Pirates.
The Buccaneers are currently in pre-season camp in Ndola, Zambia and Chansa paid the squad a visit during one of their training sessions.
“A lot of Zambians support Orlando Pirates. Since the time of Denis Lota who did very well and was a top goalscorer, to my contricontinue bution ... they have been behind this team and continue to be. It has been a long time since I last wore a Pirates shirt but to this day people still call me “Bhakaniya” even though I’ve played for other clubs here in Zambia. They remember what I did, and that’s special,” Chansa was quoted as saying on the Bucs website.
“To see the next generation in Shonga and Mulenga is heartwarming, more so when they are doing well for the club. I believe in them and I believe in the club too. I know they will achieve greatness if they just keep focused and working hard on their dreams.”
Chansa believes Shonga and Mulenga chose to play for Pirates after having seen how successful Zambian players have been at the club and also with the club’s continental achievements.
“I would like to think they chose to be here because they looked at our previous successes as Zambian players at Pirates, and also realising that this is a professionally run club with massive Caf aspirations. Together, they and the club are a perfect fit because they want the same things. And hopefully they can inspire the next generation of Zambian stars to continue the legacy we have with Pirates.”
The former Pirates star believes the club will do well next season, looking at their performances from last season and has urged the team’s supporters to always rally behind the team like they did back in his playing days at the club.
Chansa played for Pirates from 2004 to 2007 and he later rejoined the club in 2010 for two years and helped the club to back-to-back treble-winning seasons.