Winger Ntanzana Mayembe joins camp

BY DIRAMAKINI REPORTER, Lusaka

Cardiff City under-18 winger Ntanzana Mayembe has arrived in the country after answering the call to feature for the Chipolopolo.

Mayembe arrived in the country aboard Emirates Airlines and immediately joined camp at Tecla Hotel in Lusaka.

The highly rated teenager is a product of the Cardiff Academy that has produced players like Aaron Ramsey, Joe Ledley, and Chris Gunter.

Having been with the club since the under-10s, Mayembe has represented both Wales and England at schoolboy level.

The promising forward who has committed his loyalty to Zambia, predominantly plays as a winger, and has dazzled onlookers with his pace, trickery, and deadly finishing ability.

Mayembe says he is excited to be part of the Chipolopolo set up where his debut assignment will take him to Senegal, Benin and Sudan for international friendly matches during the FIFA window.

“It feels good to be home. It was a long flight but once I got to the 10-minute mark, I was relived, I was happy. I have not been home in like 11 years; it has been a long time and I am looking forward to it,” he says.

“I am here, I have seen my dad and family that has just made me smile and gave me a boost and confidence and hopefully take it into the games, training and keep on fighting.”

He adds: “I spoke with the coach for the call up and he explained to me the situation and said he was going to give me the opportunity to help my country out. Without doubt I decided to come home and the is where I am right now.”

Mayembe is part of the 36-member provisional squad coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has named for the triple friendly outing that kicks off in Thies Senegal on June 5 and head to Cotonou Benin three days later. The final stop will be in Omdurman for the June 11 clash with Sudan.