Zambia’s Kalaba ‘critical but stable’ after crash

Former Zambia captain Rainford Kalaba is in a “critical but stable” condition following a fatal road accident on Saturday, according to the country’s football association (Faz).

The 37-year-old was a passenger in a Mercedes Benz when it collided with an oncoming truck in the south-eastern Zambian town of Kafue.

The female driver of the car in which Kalaba was travelling was killed.

Faz says Kalaba, who is in hospital, suffered “internal injuries”.

A police report issued after the crash stated preliminary investigations indicated the accident was a result of “improper overtaking” by the Mercedes.

News on Kalaba is being closely monitored in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the forward played for TP Mazembe between 2011 and 2023.

There was confusion over the severity of Kalaba’s condition immediately after the crash when Mazembe posted updates on social media which the club has since clarified.

Kalaba helped Zambia win their maiden Africa Cup of Nations crown in 2012, shocking Ivory Coast on penalties in the final.

He went on to captain his country and made more than 100 senior appearances for the Chipolopolo.

At club level, Kalaba was a stalwart for Mazembe in an era when they won the African Champions League, two African Super Cups and an African Confederation Cup title.

He previously had spells in his homeland with Kitwe United and Zesco United and moved to Portuguese club Braga, external in 2008.

However, he only made one appearance for the club and had loan stints with Gil Vicente and Uniao de Leiria before his move to DR Congo.