The Inspiring Journey of Collins Mbesuma: From Record-breaking Striker to Nurturing Future Stars
Collins Mbesuma, the Zambian football sensation, took the South African football scene by storm in the early 2000s. With a decorated career in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and a notable international presence, Mbesuma has since transitioned from the field to nurturing the future stars of the sport.
Collins Mbesuma, the Zambian football sensation, took the South African football scene by storm in the early 2000s. With a decorated career in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and a notable international presence, Mbesuma has since transitioned from the field to nurturing the future stars of the sport.
From Football Family to Record-breaking Striker
Born into a family of footballers, Mbesuma’s father, Francis Kajiya, played professionally as a midfielder. Mbesuma joined the Kaizer Chiefs in 2004 at only 20 years old. In his first season with the Soweto giants, he netted an astounding 35 goals, 25 of which were in the PSL. That record remains unbroken for the highest tally of goals by a player in a single season.
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Throughout his career, Mbesuma scored for multiple South African clubs, such as Mamelodi Sundowns, Moroka Swallows, Golden Arrows, Orlando Pirates, Mpumalanga Black Aces, Highlands Park, and the University of Pretoria. His international career saw him playing for Portsmouth Football Club in England, Club Sport Marítimo in Portugal, and Bursaspor in Turkey.
Prolific Scorer Turned Mentor
Today, Mbesuma is channeling his passion for football into charity work and nurturing the next generation of players. In 2020, he launched the Collins Mbesuma Academy, with locations in South Africa and his native Zambia. His goal is to develop top talents who will play for the PSL and the Zambian national team, Chipolopolo.
In 2021, Mbesuma added another title to his impressive resume when he was appointed assistant coach at the Motsepe Foundation Championship side, Pretoria Allies. According to Goal.com, he also took on the role of striker coach.
An Inspiration to Budding Footballers
Collins Mbesuma, known for his incredible goal-scoring skills and record-breaking achievements, has embarked on a new chapter in his life. By dedicating himself to charity work and developing future football stars, “The Hurricane” continues to contribute to the beautiful game. His journey serves as an inspiration to budding footballers and fans alike. With the Collins Mbesuma Academy and his coaching career, Mbesuma remains a powerhouse presence, both on and off the field.
Zola Naidoo is a Cape Town journalist who chronicles the city’s shifting politics and the lived realities behind the headlines. A weekend trail-runner on Table Mountain’s lower contour paths, she still swops stories in her grandmother’s District Six kitchen every Sunday, grounding her reporting in the cadences of the Cape.
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