Rainford Kalaba is the only Zambian interest in the final shortlist for the 2016 CAF African Player of The Year Based in Africa award.
No Zesco player has managed to make the shortlist after Jesse Ware, Jackson Mwanza and Idris Mbombo made the preliminary nominees list.
Kalaba will vie for this years accolade with other four players who all come from one club.
Khama Billiat, Keegan Dolly, Hlompho Kekana and Denis Onyango, all from newly crowned 2016 African champions Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, have made the final five.
The winner to be announced at the awards ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria on January 5.
Kalaba inspired Mazembe to their debut CAF Confederation Cup final triumph with a brace in their 4-1 final leg, home win over MO Bejaia of Algeria to lift the trophy 5-2 on aggregate.
He scored a total of eight goals in the 2016 Confederation Cup.
And despite some sections criticizing his Zambia form, he scored the face-saver in Zambia’s 1-1 home draw with Kenya in their final 2017 Africa Cup Group E qualifiers on September 4.
The Zambia captain also provided an assist in 1-1 away draw against Cameroon in a 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B qualifier on November 12 in Limbe.
He will be the winner.
Kalaba deseves it, he probably best even if foreign based are included.
Harry Kalaba is also best minister…
I just read the headline but it is encouraging that our Minister of Foreign Affairs has received continental recognition unlike receiving an insignificant honorary doctorate of Dr Pundit Itis-Global
He is true son of the soil! All the best master!
Please read before you embarrass yourself. Its Rainford’s story here.
Go, go captain we are proud of you.
We are behind u masta
The Family Is Greatly Proud Of Ur Achievents Son, We Jus Wish U The Best Of Lucky On 5th Jan 2017.
Good luck young man!!
Kalaba has always been my favourite. He will win not only the award but several other staff. As long as RK is available Zambia will always be at the helm of it’s aspirations. God bless RK. AMEN
Viva kalaba u deserve it
Son, The Family Is Proud Of Ur Achievements En It Is Our Wish That God Grants U This Important Award To Ur Many Awards That U Ve Received In Ur Football Career.
It is about time, after a long time — Kalu!
Bro Victor , Great Kalu won the African footballer of the year which included foreign based players.
he will win if they dont lig the votes dont allow chula and akufuna to count the votes i beg