Kings Kangwa Crowned Best Foreign Player After Standout Season in Israel
Zambian midfielder Kings Kangwa has been named the Best Foreign Player of the Year in the Israeli Premier League following a phenomenal 2024/25 campaign with Hapoel Be’er Sheva. The 25-year-old was also included in the Best XI of the Season, affirming his status as one of the most influential talents in the league.
Kangwa’s season has been nothing short of outstanding. The former Red Star Belgrade playmaker scored 14 goals and contributed 9 assists in 35 league matches, making him the most productive Zambian footballer abroad this season. His creativity, drive, and leadership helped Hapoel Be’er Sheva mount a strong title challenge, narrowly missing out on the championship by just two points to Maccabi Tel Aviv.
“BEST FOREIGN PLAYER OF THE YEAR, AND THE BEST TEAM OF THE YEAR… thanks to everyone who voted for me,” Kangwa wrote on his official social media pages.
Kangwa’s impact extended beyond goals and assists. According to league statistics, he ranked 3rd in successful dribbles (1.8 per game) and 19th in tackles (2.1 per game), showcasing his box-to-box ability and tactical intelligence. Although he did not score from direct free kicks, his set-piece delivery and chance creation kept defenders on their toes.
One More Shot at Silverware
Despite narrowly missing out on the league title, Kangwa and Hapoel Be’er Sheva are still in the hunt for a major trophy. The club will face Beitar Jerusalem in the Israel State Cup Final on 29 May, where Kangwa is expected to be a key figure once again. He has already scored once in the cup and remains vital to Be’er Sheva’s ambitions of ending the season with silverware.
Focus Shifts to Chipolopolo Duty
Kangwa’s exploits at club level have also earned him a spot in Avram Grant’s 25-man provisional squad for Zambia’s upcoming international friendlies against Morocco, set for June 6 and 10. These fixtures are part of the team’s build-up to the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which resume in September.
Zambia currently sits fourth in Group E with six points, level with Niger, and will face Morocco at home, followed by critical matches against Tanzania and Niger in October. Kangwa’s form will be pivotal as the Chipolopolo look to keep their 2030 World Cup dream alive.
With club accolades secured and international duty calling, Kings Kangwa’s rise shows no signs of slowing down. From top performances in Israel to leading Zambia’s midfield charge, the Ndola-born maestro is living up to the promise that made him one of Zambia’s brightest exports.
