Mabika Naturalization Inches Away
By SANDRA MWILA
ZAMBIA’S preparations for the Ivory Coast 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) received a huge boost after Sports Minister Elivs Nkandu announced that United States based defender Amie Mabika’s naturalisation process is ‘now’ complete.
Nkandu says the Ministry of Home Affairs has cleared Mabika and will be handed a Zambian passport which could make him available to play for the national team.
The Minister called on FAZ to quickly follow up the issue with the Ministry of Home Affairs to make the player available ahead of the two uninterrupted AFCON Group H fixtures Lesotho in March.
Mabika was born in Zambia 24 years ago but from Congolese parents but is eligible to get Zambian citizenship.
“I can confirm that so far so good. I have been talking to the Minister of Home Affairs who has also said everything is okay and done. So, it’s now up to FAZ to go there and collect the documents and expedite the process if there is anything remaining. But I’m sure the process has been concluded,” Nkandu said.
Mabika, who plays for Inter Miami-a club owned by Manchester United legend David Beckham, has been on the FAZ’s radar for some time now but could not feature for the Chipolopolo competitive matches since he did not have a Zambian passport.
He was handed a call up by former Chipolopolo coach Aljoša Asanović last year in a friendly match against Congo Brazzaville which remains his only appearance for the national team.
Nkandu expressed hope that FAZ would quickly follow up the matter so that Mabika would be available for selection for the matches against Lesotho.
He further urged FAZ to continue identifying talents that were ready for naturalization and bring them forward.
“It’s not only Mabika because we have received more young talented players who are playing in Europe and we have also instructed FAZ to talk to more of those players who are willing to play for Zambia. If they agree then well and good we shall need to start the naturalization process,” he said.
FAZ managed to convince Scotland based defender Frankie Musonda of Ayr United to get a Zambian passport and feature the Chipolopolo.
The 25 year old defender scored on his debut in a friendly match against the Congo last year and went to feature in the AFCON qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Comoros Islands.
Musonda was born in Scotland from a Zambian father and Scottish mother but chose to represent Chipolopolo.
Meanwhile, FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala confirmed that he had already been in touch with the Ministry of Home Affairs and was working on making the player available.
He said the association would issue a statement once all details were confirmed.
“Yes I have had a chat with the permanent secretary at Home Affairs but I’m yet to get the particular position. I don’t want to speculate before I get facts. Last time I met him he told me to pull a file so not until I check what is in the file will I be able to give proper information,” said Kashala.
(CREDIT: Times of Zambia)