29.01.2024 | Football in my DNA
Zambian striker Justin Shonga, who has 16 goals to his name in national team colors, says that he won't retire from international football just yet after being inspired by Stoppila Sunzu's performance for the Chipolopolo Boys during the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast.
Shonga, 27, who made his national team debut in 2017, went on to play 33 games for Zambia, scoring six times until losing his place in the national team. His last appearance for the Chipolopolo Boys came in 2021, where he played four games and scored three times.
Speaking recently in an interview with Michael Miyoba, Shonga said:
"Watching Sunzu at the AFCON inspired me so much. It wasn't painful. I'm so happy for him. Sunzu used to be my roommate at the national team, we would always share a room. It was so inspiring that it made me realize that there is still a lot of time for me. Sunzu is older than me."
The former Nkwazi player also mentioned Ghanaian international Andrew Ayew, who is still actively playing football, as an example of players he watched growing up who showed him that it was too early to hang up his boots.
"I wouldn't retire now. I would give an example of Andrew Ayew who is still playing. I used to watch that guy when I was still young, and he is still playing, so who am I to say that I will retire? I can't retire. Not now. I just have to put myself together, keep on working hard because there is a time for everything, and God's time is the best. If I get a call-up from the national team, I will go and give my best,"
Shonga was quick to defend the young Chipolopolo squad that got knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations in the group stage in Ivory Coast, saying that the majority of players were making their debut at the tournament.
"Only Sunzu who won it for Zambia, but the rest of the players were debutants, but in life, there is always a learning phase, and I can say that the guys have learned. I haven't been at the AFCON, but they have been there, and now they have the experience, so the next time the AFCON qualifiers start, you will see the performance of the team because they have experienced it, so they will want to perform differently, to want to go back."
However, he said that despite Zambia being eliminated in the group stage of the competition, the team put up a good fight, and he congratulated each and every player for their efforts as he promised to work hard if he gets called back to the national team.
"Despite the outcome, the guys gave their all, and I would like to congratulate each and every player that took part. They worked so hard. We are proud of them, and I give respect to them. It is every player's dream to be part of the Chipolopolo, and I'm going to work so hard. I just have to give everything I have so that when I get a call-up, I play and serve the country."
Shonga moved from Nkwazi Football Club after having an impressive campaign last season, earning himself a move to Georgia, where he made a few appearances for his new club, scoring twice and providing two assists after joining the team halfway through the season.
Credit: Zed Sport
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