Zambian international, Clifford Mulenga, has revealed the real reasons Lazarous Kambole failed at Kaizer Chiefs.
Kambole joined Amakhosi in July 2019 on a three-year deal from Zesco United but only managed to score two league goals during his time in Naturena.
The forward joined Tanzanian side Yanga SC in July 2022 before returning to Zesco United on loan where he has revived his career by netting three goals in two matches.
“When Kambole joined Kaizer Chiefs there were big expectations on him,” Mulenga tells Touchline News.
“Players adapt differently to new environments. Kambole had just moved to a new a country and joined one of the biggest clubs in African football and it took him a long time to adapt to the new environment.
“The attitude of South African players is different and you need to be aware of that. South African players have a different attitude to us Zambian players and those things can play a big factor.
“When I came to South African it also took me a long to adapt. I got to know the culture and the mentality of South African people in general.
“People used to tease me and the way I talked. I made a few friends like the late Dumisani Masilela, may his soul rest in peace, George Maluleka and their advice was that I must get know the culture. Once I did that it was easy for me to fit in.”
“When you speak English to some players they will respond in isiZulu or SeSotho and as a new player from a foreign country that can affect you. I experienced that as well. James Chamanga, Collins Mbesuma and David Nkausu have all experienced that. Maybe that is one of the things that played a role in Kambole’s time.”
By Zola Doda