Former Zambia captain Rainford Kalaba discharged from hospital after surviving greasly road accident
Kalaba has been discharged excactly two weeks after being admitted at the
Former Zambia captain Rainford Kalaba has been discharged from hospital after being critically injured in a road accident earlier this month.
The former midfielder was a passenger in a Mercedes-Benz that collided head-on with a truck in a distressing incident initially feared to have claimed his life.
“Mr.Rainford Kalaba has been discharged from the UTH-Adult where he was admitted after being involved in a road traffic accident two weeks ago,” University Teaching Hospital PR officer Nzeba Chanda said in a statement.
“Today (Friday 26th April) marks exactly 14 days from the time of his admission.He is going to recuperate at his family home.”
The football community has expressed widespread support for Kalaba, remembering his contributions to Zambian football as a dynamic midfielder and a dedicated team leader.
On Thursday 25th April, TP Mazembe president Moise Katumbi expressed heartfelt gratitude as he stood by the Kalaba’s bedside.
“I’ve come to see my son Rainford Kalaba. First of all, I thank the Lord who saved my son. I’m in Lusaka before leaving for Egypt,” Katumbi said as quoted on Sports News Africa.
“I can say that he is already 99% cured,” remarked Katumbi, acknowledging the miraculous recovery of Kalaba.
In addition to expressing his gratitude, Katumbi made a heartfelt promise to the player, highlighting Kalaba’s exemplary character both on and off the field.
“He was an exemplary player. Other players can take his example. We won a lot of trophies with him. He’s going to join the Mazembe technical staff.
“He’s like a son to me. I thank the Lord, the Zambian government, and the doctors. If it was anywhere else, we’d lose Kalaba,” stated Katumbi, emphasizing Kalaba’s significance to the club and his personal bond with the player.
Kalaba played a pivotal role in Zambia’s historic triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012, where they clinched their maiden title by defeating Ivory Coast in a thrilling final that culminated in a dramatic penalty shootout.
At the club level, Kalaba established himself as a cornerstone of Tout-Puissant Mazembe during a successful era for the club. His tenure coincided with Mazembe’s triumphs in prestigious competitions such as the African Champions League, where they asserted their dominance with two victories, as well as claiming two African Super Cups and an African Confederation Cup title.
Prior to his tenure with Mazembe, Kalaba honed his skills in his native Zambia, featuring prominently for Kitwe United and Zesco United.
His talent caught the attention of Portuguese club Braga, where he embarked on a new chapter in his career in 2008.
However, Kalaba’s stint at Braga was brief, with just one appearance for the club before he embarked on loan spells with Gil Vicente and Uniao de Leiria.
Subsequently, Kalaba made his move to DR Congo, where he found his stride and made a lasting impact with Tout-Puissant Mazembe.
