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Picture courtesy: (Orlando Pirates official Facebook page) The news of Shonga’s passing has deeply affected supporters and fellow players, especially those who had the privilege of playing alongside him.
(The Post News)- Justine Shonga, a Zambian national team forward, passed away in Lusaka, Zambia, at the age of 27. He died on Sunday at Sikanze Police Hospital after a brief, unexplained illness.
The news of his passing has deeply affected supporters and fellow players, especially those who had the privilege of playing alongside him. Many players have taken to social media, sharing pictures and captioning them with “Rest in Peace.”
Shonga was a prominent player in the South African Premier Soccer League, notably for Orlando Pirates, where he made about 70 appearances and scored 16 goals.
He is remembered for his contributions to the South African Premier Soccer League; notably, his goals against Chippa in 2013 were named PSL Goal of the Month.
In a thrilling 1-1 league match in April, Zambian forward Justine Shonga scored an incredible bicycle kick goal against Stellenbosch FC at the Danie Craven Stadium.
This goal was a replica of the iconic one that Oscarine Masuluke, the custodian, scored for Baroka FC against the Orlando Pirates in 2016. The strike received widespread praise.
Since making his debut for the national team in 2017, Shonga has participated in 33 games and netted 16 goals for Zambia in his career.
During the 2017 COSAFA Cup, Shonga played a crucial role by scoring three goals to help Zambia reach the final, where they were ultimately defeated by Zimbabwe.
As Zambia’s top scorer in the COSAFA Cup, Shonga has always vowed to work hard and rejoin the national team.
His impressive performance in 2021, with four appearances and three goals in his final games for Zambia, highlights his ongoing potential and commitment.
Outside of his stint with the Orlando Pirates, forward Shonga has made numerous contributions to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Shonga joined Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), now known as the Marumo Gallants, after leaving the Orlando Pirates.
Shonga had recently signed with Najran SC, a team competing in the third division of Saudi Arabia.
After making several appearances and scoring twice for the Georgian side FC Gagra in January 2024, Shonga signed a short-term contract with Najran SC, lasting until the end of the season with an option to extend if he performed well.
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