Zambian forward Evans Kangwa has confirmed he will retire from active football at the conclusion of the 2025/26 MTN Super League campaign, bringing to a close a professional journey that has stretched across Africa, Europe and Asia. June 2026 will mark his final chapter as a player, ending a career defined by adaptability, international exposure and service to country.
Kangwa shared the announcement in an emotional social media statement, expressing gratitude for the experiences the game afforded him. “As I write to you, my heart is filled with both gratitude and emotion. After many years of dedication, sacrifice, joy, and unforgettable experiences in the beautiful game, I have made the decision that in June 2026 I will officially retire from active football,” he wrote. His words reflected not only closure but appreciation for the collective bonds formed throughout his journey.
To commemorate the milestone, Kangwa will organise a farewell match bringing together former and current teammates. He emphasised that the occasion would represent more than ceremony — it would symbolise shared battles, unity and brotherhood forged on the pitch. “Your presence will not simply be a formality; it will serve as a lasting reminder of the bonds we built,” he added.
Kangwa’s legacy is closely tied to the Zambia national football team, where he made his senior debut in 2011. Over more than a decade, he accumulated 27 international caps and scored twice, serving during a transitional period for the national side. While he was not always a regular starter, his availability and professionalism ensured he remained part of the broader national framework.
He was included in Zambia’s Africa Cup of Nations squad during his international tenure, gaining tournament exposure even though he did not feature at the finals. His final appearance for Chipolopolo came on 11 June 2024 in a 1–0 defeat to the Tanzania national football team, a match that quietly marked the end of his international chapter.
Kangwa’s professional odyssey began at Nkana FC before he ventured abroad in 2014, joining Israeli side Hapoel Ra’anana on loan. After scoring 11 goals in his debut season, he secured a permanent transfer in 2016 reportedly worth over USD150,000, signing a three-year contract.
His European progression continued with stints at Gaziantepspor in Turkey and FC Arsenal Tula in Russia, experiences that broadened his tactical exposure and competitive maturity. In 2023, he transitioned to Asia with Qingdao Hainiu before later moving to Saudi Arabia to feature for Abha Club.
In September 2025, Kangwa returned home for a second spell at Nkana, eleven years after his initial departure. That reunion proved brief, lasting four months before he joined Green Eagles FC in January 2026, where he will conclude the final stretch of his playing career.
When the final whistle sounds in June 2026, it will signal the end of a career built on courage and mobility. Kangwa embraced the uncertainty of foreign leagues, adapted across tactical systems and remained available to represent Zambia whenever called upon.
His retirement does not simply close a chapter for one player; it marks the gradual passing of a generation that carried Chipolopolo through a rebuilding era. For Evans Kangwa, as he stated, it has “truly been an honor.”
