By KALUMIANA KALUMIANA –

. Kalele

CHANGWE Kalale was a unique talent, Beston Chambeshi said at the late ex- Zambia Under-17 stars burial yesterday in Chambeshi.
Kalale, 20, who was paralyzed and wheelchair bound for the last three years following a road traffic accident, died after a short illness on his birthday on December 17 in Lusaka where he had gone for his routine six month review at the University Teaching Hospital UTH.
Chambeshi, who represented FAZ at the funeral, said during the church service at PAOG Church in Chambeshi, that Kalale’s death was a huge loss for promising talent in Zambian football.
“He was an outstanding player and you could see his undoubted talent. I worked and coached here in Chambishi and I know his family very well. I am close to his father Ben and his uncle Robson who also played football,” Chambeshi said.
“And you could see Changwe’s style was unique and surely he got his genes from a footballing family. He a great talent, it was God given.”
Kalale inspired the Zambia Under-17 to its debut qualification to the 2015 U17 AFCON that he missed due to his injury.
Ironically, Chambeshi later coached Kalale’s former Under-17 teammates Enock Mwepu and Patson Daka to victory as hosts of the 2017 U20 AFCON and later the 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea.
And in tribute to their son, Kalale’s father Ben and mother Angela gave a moving eulogy.
“Changwe, you were a solider full of courage and never retreated and you showed maturity that was above your level,” they said.
And Zesco United administrative officer Frank Chitambala who was representing the club that was courting Kalale, he himself and was a survivor of the same accident, said the club mourns with the late midfielder family after a challenging three years of taking care of him.
PAOG Chambishi pastor David Chibale praised Kalale for his showing great spiritual strength during the last three years
But the most moving tribute was delivered by his brother and current Zambia Under-20 midfielder Musonda who mentioned him by his nickname Baggio after the great Italian international Roberto Baggio.
“Bro, I never told you this when you were alive but you were my role model. I promises you and mum that I will be the next Baggio. I will do it for you Baggio,” Musonda said.
Musonda’s eulogy, like those that preceded his others that preceded his, were punctuated by an air heavy of sorrow and grief at PAOG church.
Meanwhile, among those who came to pay their last respects were Mwepu including his brother Under-20 striker, Francisco, Chipolopolo CHAN team members Ziyo Tembo, Donashano Malama and Godfrey Ngwenya.
Ex-Zambia defender Nyambe Mulenga who also survived the accident three years ago but retired due to the injuries sustained in that incident was also present.