Former local football star Zifa Nkhoma has spoken out on the anguish of losing his sight at the age of 51.
Nkhoma starred for Zambia, Nkana, Power Dynamos and Nchanga Rangers as left back between 1986 and 2000.
He lost his sight in September 2018 after battling eye problems for some years.
Nkhoma has told Radio Icengelo News at his home in Chamboli, Kitwe that eye experts at Kitwe Teaching Hospital cannot conduct an operation because his eye-veins are weak.
“I just woke up one day in September and discovered that I couldn’t see. I bought eye drops and put in my eyes but nothing worked. I was admitted at Kitwe Eye Ward for one week. I was told that lenses cannot help me because I have low vision,” he narrated.
“I have been using a stick when walking. It is not easy to lose sight but I just put everything in God’s hands. Life has become tougher,” Nkhoma said.
The former Junior International now misses watching football.
Before losing his sight, Nkhoma was a common feature whenever Nkana, Power or Kitwe United were playing at home.
“It is heartbreaking not to watch matches. I cannot go to the stadium when I am unable to see anything. Going to watch football used to help me meet old friends and pass time,” Nkhoma said.
He remains hopeful that in future his sight might be restored.
“Well wishers especially the teams I played for should help me seek further medical attention outside the country; maybe my sight could be restored.”
Nkhoma added:”Right now I am just hoping that those white doctors who come from outside Zambia can come and help to start seeing again.”
He lives at his elder sister’s home in Chamboli, Kitwe.
Let soccer lovers bring in the experts. Is this not curable? Former clubs help this guy
Bowman Lusambo to pay a fine on behalf of Kalusha. Maybe helping Zifa will be more honorable.
Sounds like razor treatment will work well, since he lost both eyes in sleep. it cost $500 per eye, plus air ticket, he needs $5000 fye.
Please this a serious matter. Let’s not make unkind jokes. This can happen to anyone and without warning.
Hope HIS SITE be restored THE MAN WAS GOOD IN DEFENSE, SAD HE NEVER PLAYED PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL TO MAKE SAVINGS LIKE MBESUMA
Government should send him to india for medical as they have best eye specialist. May be they can restore before it’s too late.
Yeah this is a citizen deserving government help. Not politicians all the time
What a sad story. I have a nephew in the same position. Sometimes he remembers his sighted days and this affects him terribly. It makes him suicidal. We have to watch him all the time closely during these episodes. May God give Zifa the strength to persevere.
Ya sad story.
Wish I could assist!
Iye ba Zifa ‘Brehmer ’ Nkhoma chabipa mudala wandi. Wali good in defence noti masobela. At least I can attest to that as I had a chance to watch you play at the top level growing up. I just hope that FAZ would come up with some initiative to accommodate your eye sight problem as quickly as the situation demands. Furthermore, FAZ must set up a ‘goFundMe’ type of project to help former players with their medical problems especially. May God help ba Zifa to see again.
ALSO JOHNSON BWALYA NEEDS HELP , HE IS MAD IN SWITZERLAND, KALUSHA NEEDS HELP HE NEEDS TO PRODUCE A MALE CHILD ASAP TO CONTINUE HIS SOCCER CAREER