Sports
Zambian Soccer Star In Critical Condition Following Car Crash
Former Zambia International captain Rainford Kalaba, who was part of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations winning squad, is in critical condition following a head-on collision with a truck in Lusaka, Zambia.
While it was originally reported that thirty-seven-year-old Kalaba had passed away, it was later confirmed that Kalaba remains in critical condition. TP Mazembe, his former club, released a statement following the news that Kalaba remains in critical condition.
“We just heard from the medical team that took on Maestro Rainford KALABA. Declared dead by the emergency services who received the former TPM player victim of a serious traffic accident, the doctors who received him have just placed him in an artificial coma but his situation is critical,”
Pulse Sports
The former player was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital in critical condition and was placed in an artificial coma.
The original post from TP Mazembe, which stated that Kalaba has passed away, sent shockwaves through the soccer community.
“Go in peace our “Maestro.” What a loss ! Rainford KALABA did not survive a road accident this Saturday 13 April in Zambia between Kafwe and Lusaka. Master…Master…Master,”
Pulse Sports
Also involved in the crash was Kalaba’s partner, who was also in the vehicle at the time of the crash; however, no information about the condition of Kalaba’s partner has been released.
In 103 career appearances for the Zambia national team, Kalaba scored 15 goals. Rainford also more recently played for TP Mazembe, where he was active from 2011 to 2023, making 280 appearances and scoring 78 goals.
Kalaba has played for Zambia International, TP Mazembe, and Zesco United.
“He was club legend at TP Mazembe where he played from 2011 to 2023, making 280 appearances while scoring 78 goals.”
“Kalaba also turned out for Zambia’s Zesco United and had spells in Portugal with Braga, Gil Vicente and Leiria.”
Pulse Sports
We will keep you updated on any new information released regarding this case.
