Zambia’s AFCON winner retires, ending 25-year career

Chamanga: Photo Credit:

Football Association of Zambia Facebook page.

Zambia’s AFCON-winning star James Chamanga has called it a time on his 25-year playing career at the age of 45.

The veteran striker was, until announcing his retirement on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, playing for Zambia’s army team, Red Arrows FC.

The MTN Super League champions have since announced a farewell match for the striker on May 17, 2025. The testimonial game will take place at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

“Red Arrows Football Club will host a historical testimonial match in honour of James Chamanga, a legend, a warrior & a leader of the Zambia game!!,” Red Arrows’ statement reads.

Chamanga is a well-known footballer in Zambia owing to his contributions to club and country.

He was part of the Chipolopolo squad that defied all odds to win the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations title for the first time in the nation’s football history. He has spent six seasons with Red Arrows after joining from Chinese side Liaoning Hongyun FC.

He won two league titles with the Zambia Air Force-owned team. Chamanga launched his professional football career in 2000 at Makumbi Stars, and then signed for City of Lusaka two years later, followed by a loan spell at ZANACO.

The towering centre-forward attracted the attention of Bush Bucks FC before signing for the now defunct South African side in 2006.

The Chipolopolo veteran also had stints with SuperSport United and Moroka Swallows FC until 2008, when he moved to the Chinese team.