Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe told Parliament that government teams have been in constant contact with Zambian players in the Gulf and Israel to ensure their safety as unrest intensifies.
“The teams that have been given the duty of tracking each and every Zambian have equally been in touch with those in Saudi Arabia, and we are keeping a close eye on them. All of them are our national treasures,” Haimbe said.
Kangwa, who plays for Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Israel, reassured fans of his safety in a Facebook post.
“Dear everyone, I would just like to let you know that I have safely arrived back home in Zambia. Thank you to everybody who has been checking on me and sending messages to make sure I am safe. I truly appreciate the support,” he wrote.
The Zambian players currently based in the Middle East include Sakala, who features for Al‑Fayha FC in the Saudi Pro League, as well as Joshua Budo Mutale, Emmanuel Banda and Kennedy Musonda who play in Saudi Arabia’s second-tier league.
Others include Songa Chipyoka and Susan Katongo in Israel, and Enock Sakala who plays for Gulf United FC in the United Arab Emirates.
Haimbe was responding to concerns raised by Miles Sampa, Member of Parliament for Matero, who sought clarification on whether the government had been in contact with Sakala.
The minister assured Parliament that all foreign-based players, including Sakala, remain safe despite the conflict, which has led to heightened military activity and flight disruptions in parts of the Gulf region.
