Profile: Rainford Kalaba

Name: Rainford Kalaba

Previous Clubs: Afrisports (2003-2006) Nice( loan;France: 2006-2007) Zesco United (loan;2007- )

Date of Birth:14/08/1986
Club : ZESCO United
Position : Midfielder
Honours: COSAFA Cup; Runner Up- 2005,2007; Winner-2006


With excellent dribbling skills, impressive control and a vicious shot, Rainford Kalaba is rightly held in high esteem by many Chipolopolo and ‘Zescolo’ faithful. But opposition fans in the Zambian Premier league dislike.
Kalaba is one of the most experienced members of the Zambia national soccer team. At just 21, he has been two African Cup of Nations(Egypt 2006 and Ghana 2008). He has won the Cosafa and Cecafa Cups both in 2006.

Kalaba started his career at disgruntled 8 times FAZ Premier Division side Mufulira Wanderers which has also produced the likes of Kalusha Bwalya, Charles Musonda, Johnstone Bwalya and Efford Chabala.

The nimble footed midfielder then moved to FAZ division 1 side Afrisports in 2003 and alongside the likes of Jacob Mulenga and Ignitious Lwipa, they steered Afrisports gain promotion to the Premier Division in 2005 for the first time, three years after its formation.

The midfielder had also begun to make waves on the international scene. In 2005, he was handed his debut against Swaziland in Zambia’s 3-0 win in a Cosafa Cup match at Lusaka’s Woodlands Stadium in 2005. Kalaba was, at the time, an under-20 player netted on his international debut.

He had previously been named Player of the tournament and also won the Golden Boot at the Cosafa Cup under-20 in Zambian colours. His wonder goal in the 5-4 loss thriller against South Africa in a Cosafa Cup under-20 final in 2004 was nominated for 2005 CAF Goal of the Year award but lost out to Benni McCarthy’s header (Porto) against Manchester United.

That led to much speculation about interest from South African giants; Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. And although Kalaba was flattered by the interest, Afrisports fancied a European move.

A year later, Afrisports wish was granted when Kalaba signed a season loan with French ligue 1 side Nice. But after spending the whole in the Nice reserve team, Nice did not activate the clause to sign him permanent.

And the explosive and pace starlet was back in the Zambian local scene but with which team; Afrisports, Zanaco or Zesco United?

His parent club, Afrisports were relegated back to division while the 2006 FAZ Premier League, Zanaco wanted to consolidate their team for continental endeavours but Kalaba failed to agree personal terms with ‘Sensational’ Zanaco. Another Premier League, Zesco United snapped his signature on a seasonal loan and Zanaco’s loss was ‘Team Ya Ziko’s gain.

In 2007 season, Kalaba had hugely influential season as he came out of the shell and proved to be the difference between Zesco United and another sides in the league. The key to‘Zescolo’s creativity, Kalaba became the focal point and guided ‘Team Ya Ziko’ to their first ever domestic treble.

During the course of the season, he attended trials at French ligue 2 side Chatteroux and South African side Sundowns but he failed to impress his suitors.

The Mufulira born scored an incredible 26 goals from midfiled in all competitions as the Ndola based club won the FAZ Premier League title, Coca Cola and Barclays Cups. But Kalaba’s disciplinary record came under scrutiny after accumulating four red cards.




He did end the season with two individual honours though, including being named as 2007 FAZ Player of the Year and Top scorer awards.

Kalaba was part of the Chipolopolo squad at the Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations. He started the first match against Sudan but sat out on the bench to pave way for Isaac Chansa in the 5-1 loss to Cameroon.

With Zambia 1-0 down against Egypt, Chipolopolo coach Patrick Phiri introduced him and the 21 year’s sublime and clever chip to Chris Katongo led to an equaliser.

In March 2008, Kalaba agreed a five year deal pre-contract with Portuguese Super liga side Sporting Braga. If he passes his medicals, the playmaker will be at Braga till 2013 and Braga are believed to have offered Afrisports around 100 000 euros (ZMK500 Million) for his services, making him the most expensive local player.