Zambian midfielder Songa Chipyoka has completed a five-year move to Portuguese Primeira Liga side Moreirense FC from Israeli club Hapoel Petah Tikva, marking another major step forward in the 21-year-old’s rapidly developing career.
Chipyoka arrived in Portugal and completed his medical examinations on Thursday after a deal that had been delayed for several weeks was finally concluded. The midfielder has now committed his long-term future to Moreirense as he prepares to test himself in one of Europe’s competitive top-flight leagues.
The move makes Chipyoka the second Zambian player to leave Israel for Europe this summer, following Kings Kangwa’s transfer from Hapoel Be’er Sheva to Greek side Panathinaikos. He is also set to become the latest Zambian to feature in Portugal’s top division since former Chipolopolo striker Collins Mbesuma played in the Primeira Liga.
Chipyoka spent the 2025/26 season with Hapoel Petah Tikva in the Israeli top flight after previously spending a season in the second tier with Sektzia Nes Tziona. His progression from Israel’s second division to the country’s top flight and now the Portuguese Primeira Liga highlights the rapid development of the young midfielder.
The Zambian began his career at home, featuring for ZESCO United, Lusaka Dynamos and Shamuel FC before making the move abroad. He has also represented Zambia at both youth and senior international level, adding international experience to his growing résumé.
Following the completion of his transfer, Chipyoka expressed his gratitude to those who supported his development during his time in Israel. He specifically thanked his agent Nir Karin, Hapoel Petah Tikva chief executive Tim Plotkin, coach Omer Peretz and the club’s supporters.
“I am very grateful to everyone at Petah Tikva who supported me during my time at the club,” Chipyoka said.
His representative Karin also expressed his pride in the midfielder’s progress, describing the move to Portugal as another important step in what he believes can become an even bigger career.
“I am very proud of Songa and the tremendous progress he has made. I have no doubt that this is another important step for him and certainly not the last,” Karin said.
Chipyoka could make his Moreirense debut on 9 September, when the Portuguese club are scheduled to face Benfica, giving the Zambian an immediate opportunity to test himself against one of the country’s biggest clubs.
The transfer caps a remarkable rise for Chipyoka, who just two seasons ago was playing in Israel’s second tier before establishing himself in the top flight. His five-year contract with Moreirense now gives him the platform to continue his development and compete against some of Portugal’s leading clubs.
For Zambian football, Chipyoka’s move represents another encouraging development, with the midfielder becoming the latest young Zambian to take his career to a higher level in European football.
