Former Chipolopolo forward and Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga has passed away at the age of 27 following a short illness, sending shockwaves through the football community in Zambia and South Africa.
The Zambian Football Association confirmed Shonga’s untimely death on Sunday June 30th 2024.
Zambia Police Deputy Spokesperson Dan Mwale stated that Shonga died at Sikanze Police Hospital, with further details to be released in due course.
Shonga, born in Chipata, Zambia, was most recently playing for Najran SC in Saudi Arabia’s Second Division, having joined the club in February of this year. His promising career was cut short just as he was making strides in international football.
Rising to prominence during the 2017 Cosafa Cup, Shonga’s impressive performance – scoring three goals and helping Zambia reach the final – caught the eye of South African giants Orlando Pirates. The Buccaneers signed him from Nkwazi FC, where he had been working as a police officer while playing football.
During his three-year stint with Pirates, Shonga made a significant impact, scoring 10 goals and providing 9 assists in 56 PSL matches. His contributions helped the team secure second-place finishes in the league on two occasions.
After leaving Pirates, Shonga’s career took him to several other South African clubs, including Cape Town City, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, and Sekhukhune United. He also had spells in Egypt and Georgia before his move to Saudi Arabia.
Shonga’s passing is a great loss to Zambian football. He represented his country with distinction, featuring for the national team, Chipolopolo, and showcasing his talent on both domestic and international stages.
The football community awaits further details regarding Shonga’s funeral service and burial arrangements as officials add that his funeral service and burial will be announced soon.
