Mutandwa Makes Serie A Debut: A Milestone for Zambian Football
Zambian rising star Kingston Mutandwa achieved a significant milestone in his footballing career as he made his Serie A debut for Cagliari in their recent 1-0 victory over Empoli. Mutandwa’s appearance on the field, albeit as a late substitute in the 87th minute, marked a historic moment as he became the second Zambian player to grace Italy’s top-flight league, following in the footsteps of Lameck Banda.
The match itself was a tightly contested affair, with the decisive goal coming from Jakub Jankto in the 69th minute. Despite a scare earlier when Liberato Cacace had a goal disallowed for offside after a VAR review, Cagliari managed to hold on to secure a crucial victory. This win sees Cagliari inching closer to escaping the relegation zone, with just one more win needed to improve their position in the league standings.
Mutandwa’s journey to Serie A has been marked by determination and hard work. Although he was included in the matchday squad back in January against Bologna without making an appearance, his dedication finally paid off with his debut against Empoli. The promising forward joined Cagliari, under the guidance of manager Claudio Ranieri, in August the previous year, signing a four-year contract.
Prior to his Serie A debut, Mutandwa had been making waves for the Cagliari Calcio Youth side, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess with five goals already in the current season. His talent was evident on the international stage as well, notably during the 2023 CAF U20 African Cup of Nations in Egypt, where he led Zambia’s attack and found the back of the net for the Junior Chipolopolo.
Furthermore, Mutandwa’s involvement with the Zambia Under-23 team in an Olympic qualifier against Egypt underscores his potential and the bright future that lies ahead for him. As Mutandwa continues to make strides in his footballing journey, his Serie A debut serves as a testament to his talent and the growing presence of Zambian footballers on the global stage.
