By Michael Madyira
Former Orlando Pirates forward Justin Shonga has died, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has confirmed.
The ex-Zambia international was a serving police officer and passed on at the age of 27 following a short illness.
“Former Chipolopolo forward Justin Shonga has died,” FAZ announced in a statement.
“Zambia Police deputy spokesperson Dan Mwale has confirmed in an interview with the FAZ Media Team.
“Mwale said Shonga died at Sikanze Police Hospital after a short illness. More details will be availed in due course.”
At the time of his death, Shonga was on the books of Saudi lower-tier side Najran SC.
He spent three seasons at Pirates after joining the Soweto giants from Zambian Super League side Nkwazi FC.
Following his Buccaneers departure in 2020, Shonga became nomadic, turning out for seven clubs since then.
He played for Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, Cape Town City, Egyptian side Ismaily, Sekhukhune United, old club Nkwazi, FC Gagra in Georgia and then Najran.
At Pirates, his best season was arguably the 2018/19 campaign where he missed just one Premier Soccer League match while scoring six league goals.
It was a term he also featured in six knockout competitions and found the back of the net twice.
That very season, he grabbed five goals in six CAF Champions League matches as the Sea Robbers played in the group phase.
Pictured above: Former Orlando Pirates forward Justin Shonga.
Image source: Football Association of Zambia
