Zambianfootball.net

When the ball is in the last third, there’s only one place, Emmanuel Mayuka will be and that’s the box…

With 90 % of the move done, Emmanuel Mayuka is on the verge of signing for Portuguese giants FC Porto. The 18 year old whiz kid spoke to Portuguese based website,www.futebolartte.blogspot.com  in a telephone interview yesterday about the potential of teaming up with one of Portugal and Porto stars, Ricardo Quaresma and his delight about the possibility playing Champions League football.

“I know some of the players at Porto. I like Adriano because of the goals he scores, (Jose) Bosingwa (now at Chelsea) and definitely Ricardo Quaresma…he is fantastic and I can’t wait to play alongside him,” the delighted young prodigy told maisfutebol.

But the Kabwe Warriors’ striker might not get his wish as Quaresma is one of the hottest transfer targets by European giants.

And why do Zambians always have to wait for other people to give nicknames to their players? Ka Nickname for the boy please!

Still a raw talent, Mayuka is a rough diamond. He is goal scorer and a goal maker who is quick and strong and one of Zambia’s symbol of future and present alongside Justine Zulu,William Njobvu, Nathan Sinkala, Rodger Kola, Nyambe Mulenga, Lyianga Chiwanki, Stophira Sunzu, Fwayo Tembo, Hichani Himonde, Chisamba Lungu and Banda ‘Thierry’ Henry.

On his pending Mayuka said, “I have been told there’s a good possibility of me joining FC Porto and that’s what everything indicates but for now I’m training with the Zambia national team.”

“The Porto move will be very good for me as it is one of the best teams in the world. It will give me the chance to develop as a player, lining up in Europe (Champions league) and this will be important to continue to help my country,” the highly rated 18 year old added.

The 2007 FIFA World Youth Cup group stage star also revealed that he spoke with his international teammate Collins Mbesuma when both Porto and their arch-rivals Sporting Lisbon first showed interest in his services.

“I had the chance of speaking to Mbesuma who played for Maritimo. He spoke well of Portuguese soccer, how they play and he told me that I will adapt quickly.

Mayuka celebrating his goal against Botswana…as Sporting Braga’s Rainford Kalaba ran to congratulate the ‘New Malaza.’

“I like Portuguese soccer. It’s very attractive (offensive) and the people are very friendly,” said the wonder boy.

Football Association of Zambia indicated on Wednesday, “His departure has been delayed as details of his contract are still being worked out between the concerned parties (Kabwe Warriors and Porto).

It is believed Porto have offered the teenage sensational striker an initial six month loan move with an option of extending it into a permanent two or three year deal.

Mayuka rose to stardom at the World Youth Cup last year and his 15 goals propelled his boyhood club Kabwe Warriors to a fourth finish in the KCM/FAZ Premier League as well a Bp Top Eight Cup trophy courtesy of his hatrick.

The exciting starlet was voted the 2007 Zambian Young Zambian Footballer of the Year.

The school boy international scored on his international debut against Mozambique last. And was part of the Chipolopolo Boys 2008 African Nations Cup squad. Already this year, the energetic and red hot striker has represented Zambia at all internationals levels except for Under 17.

To his credit, Mayuka has banged in a total of 8 goals; 3 in the local league with the other five coming on international duty.

His highlight was when he connected a Kennedy Mudenda cross with an acrobatic bicycle kick at Woodlands Stadium against Botswana in CHAN qualifiers and left many Chipolopolo fans stunned.

What do you think of Emmanuel Mayuka being called the ‘New Malaza,’ after the late Zambia national team striker Kelvin ‘Malaza’ Mutale? Or do you have any nickname which suits Emmanuel Mayuka? Have your Say

Lets not wait for the Porto fans to nickname him for us, the same way South African fans did with Chris ‘Tsunami’ Katongo and Collins ‘Ntofo-ntofo’ Mbesuma…..Lets take pride and appreciate our own and…guess it will be a fitting way of honouring and remembering Kelvin ‘Malaza’ Mutale.