Red Arrows winger Ackim Mumba has spoken for the first time about the injury that has ruled him out of Zambia’s back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Burundi, admitting that missing the national team assignments is disappointing but accepting the setback as part of football.
Mumba sustained a quadriceps muscle injury during Red Arrows’ Week Seven MTN Super League Transitional Season encounter against Nkwazi, forcing him to withdraw from the provisional Chipolopolo squad ahead of the two important Group I qualifying matches.
The injury is expected to keep the winger sidelined for approximately two weeks before he can resume playing, dealing a setback to both his club and national team commitments.
Mumba expressed his disappointment at missing the opportunity to represent Zambia but maintained that he had accepted the situation, emphasising the importance of remaining positive during difficult moments.
“Of course it hurts, but it’s part of football. The most important thing is to accept that it happened, and it happened for a reason. The Bible talks about giving thanks in all situations,” he said.
Despite the disappointment, the Red Arrows winger has thrown his support behind the Chipolopolo as they prepare for the two encounters against Burundi, wishing his teammates success in their quest to collect maximum points.
“I wish the team the very best as they play the two games,” Mumba stated.
Mumba’s absence comes at a time when he has been an important performer for Red Arrows, contributing significantly to the club’s domestic and continental campaigns.
The winger played a key role in helping the Airmen secure a historic maiden appearance in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup this season, marking another important achievement for the Nkoloma-based outfit.
His performances have also been reflected in his creative contribution in the domestic league. During the previous MTN Super League season, Mumba finished as the competition’s leading assist provider with 11 assists, further adding three assists in the ABSA Cup.
His ability to create opportunities and provide attacking support has made him an important figure for Red Arrows, and the club will now hope for his recovery as he works towards returning to action.
For the Chipolopolo, Mumba joins the list of players unavailable for the back-to-back encounters as Zambia prepare to face Burundi in their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 AFCON finals.
The first meeting is scheduled for Friday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, with the return fixture set to take place in Bujumbura.
