FAZ confirm the passing of Shonga

by Helder Ribiero

Monday Jul 01, 2024. 13:00

The Zambian football fraternity is in mourning following the news that Justin Shonga has passed away at the age of 27 after a short illness.

The former Zambia international was on the books of Saudi Arabian Second Division side Najran at the time of his death, although he had been linked with a move to Al Wahda in the United Arab Emirates.

Shonga began his professional career at Nkwazi in his homeland, but earned a deal with Orlando Pirates after catching the eye at the 2017 COSAFA Cup in South Africa, where he scored three goals for his country.

The striker spent three seasons at Mayfair before joining TTM in 2020, while he also went on to play for Cape Town City and Sekhukhune United in the DStv Premiership.

Shonga signed for Najran in January this year after a short spell with FC Gagra in Georgia, though he died in Lusaka, according to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).

“Former Chipolopolo forward Justin Shonga has died, Zambia Police Deputy Spokesperson Dan Mwale has confirmed in an interview with the FAZ Media Team,” a statement from FAZ read on Sunday.

“Mwale said Shonga died at Sikanze Police Hospital after a short illness. More details will be availed in due course.”

Shonga retired from international football earlier this year, having scored 16 goals in 33 appearances for Chipolopolo.