Zambia legend Rainford Kalaba seriously hurt in car accident
Zambia legend Rainford Kalaba seriously hurt in car accident
The AFCON champion's situation is unclear due to misleading statements.
KAFUE — Zambia legend Rainford Kalaba suffered serious injuries in a car accident in Kafue. Kalaba’s Mercedes Benz collided with an oncoming truck driver. The female driver was immediately killed, while Kalaba is suffering “internal injuries.” A police investigation has indicated so far that the accident was caused by improper overtaking from the Benz.
The Benz crashed into a ditch on the side of the road. The likely high speed of the car and the smaller frame of the car caused it to nearly completely break apart. As shown by an image spread on X, the entire front of the car is destroyed.
Mazembe, one of Kalaba’s previous clubs, originally announced that Kalaba had passed away in the hospital. This caused massive grief in both Zambia and for Mazembe fans. However, due to either sudden developments or simple carelessness, the Congolese giants retracted their statement and posted that Kalaba was an in artificial coma and that his situation was “critical.”
Recent reports from sources close to Kalaba in Kafue say that Kalaba is currently responding to his name, but is still in the ICU (intensive care unit) and will take a long time to recover.
Kalaba is a Zambian legend, having captained the team to their unlikely run to a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations title. The midfield maestro scored one goal during the tournament and was named to the substitutes of the team of the tournament.
More will be updated here as more details emerge about Kalaba’s condition. For now, I will avoid speculating on conditions and wait for proper news to come out.