The Zambian football fraternity is in mourning following the passing of former Chipolopolo and Green Eagles striker, Tapson Kaseba.
The 33-year-old lost his battle with a brief illness in Lusaka on Thursday evening.
His family confirmed the sad news, stating Kaseba breathed his last at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) at approximately 17:00 hours.
His health had been a source of concern, having initially been treated at Maina Soko Military Hospital. After a brief discharge, his condition worsened, leading to his final admission to UTH.
Kaseba’s legacy, however, is etched in triumph. He will forever be celebrated as the talisman of Zambia’s 2019 COSAFA Cup victory.
It was his tournament: finishing as the outright top scorer and seizing the Man of the Match honour in a tense final against Botswana.
The game was decided by a solitary, decisive goa his goal that secured a record-extending fifth title for the Aggrey Chiyangi-led Chipolopolo.
Beyond the national team, Kaseba was a leader and a marksman of great repute. He wore the captain’s armband at Green Eagles, commanding respect for his unwavering discipline both on the pitch and off it.
His prowess was undeniable in the domestic league as well, having finished the 2017 MTN Super League season as a razor-sharp second-top scorer with 18 goals.
His was a flame that burned brightly, but all too briefly.
