Frankie Musonda signed off with Ayr United by scoring the equaliser of their 2-2 draw with Dunfermline at Somerset Park. A major aim for the two,022 supporters in attendance. However it’s the calls for of 20 million Zambians in his ideas now.
Musonda, the 26-year-old boy from Bedford, son of an English mom and Zambian father, has been named in Avram Grant’s Zambia squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. His comparatively quiet life in Scotland’s Championship is remodeled as soon as in nationwide colors.
“It’s actually unusual coming from enjoying in Scotland and going over there, simply how many individuals appear to recognise me,” Musonda tells Sky Sports activities. “It feels a bit overwhelming at instances. I can’t describe the sentiments once I pull on that Zambia shirt.”
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Ayr United’s Frankie Musonda discusses swapping the Scottish Championship for the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia
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One of the best Premier League gamers collaborating within the Africa Cup of Nations this month
He provides: “After we return, it’s particular. Numerous the group play in Europe so they do not see us repeatedly. I do not put myself on this class however among the greater stars are the heroes of the nation. Simply strolling by means of the airport, everybody needs to fulfill us.”
Musonda doesn’t take it without any consideration. The chance to play for Zambia has strengthened his connections to the nation – and to his household. Visits to Kabwe, the town the place lots of his family nonetheless stay, had been rare previous to his worldwide call-up.
“One among my uncles, I had not seen since I used to be eight years outdated. I’ve two cousins who’re related ages to me. After I would go over, we’d play soccer on the streets. For them to see me enjoying for Zambia is surreal for all of us. It’s most likely quite a bit crazier for them.”
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Zambia received the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 with a shock victory in Gabon
Musonda was 14 when Zambia shocked a continent by profitable the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012. The would possibly of Ivory Coast have been crushed on penalties within the closing and Musonda remembers it effectively. “Didier Drogba is one in every of my heroes,” he recollects.
“To look at him lose to my nation, to observe them try this, was one thing that I simply thought was unimaginable. My dad was in Zambia on the time as effectively so we have been on the telephone and I might hear the events happening within the background there. It was loopy. Unbelievable.”
Zambia haven’t constructed on that success. Certainly, they haven’t received a sport on the match since their unlikely triumph, failing to qualify on the final three events. “It has not been nearly as good for us because it most likely ought to have been. However there are nonetheless expectations.”
A 3-0 summer time win over Ivory Coast, this 12 months’s hosts, has elevated these hopes as soon as extra. “It felt a bit surreal.” However additional assessments await them. Their group-stage opponents at AFCON 2023 will embrace Morocco, semi-finalists on the 2022 World Cup.
“For my membership, I’ve performed towards a couple of stars. However for Zambia, It’s unimaginable the gamers I’ve performed towards and been in a position to share a pitch with.” Who stands out? “Yves Bissouma at Mali and Wilfried Zaha for Ivory Coast. When he will get on the ball, it’s particular.”
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Musonda throughout his time at Braintree City in 2017
However it’s one other participant who finest illustrates the journey that Musonda has been on. Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu was the person he changed when making his skilled debut for Luton in its place towards Mansfield City in League Two in January 2016.
Eight years on and Luton are within the Premier League and Mpanzu, extremely, remains to be enjoying for the Hatters. The pair have been set for an AFCON reunion when Zambia drew the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group F however Mpanzu didn’t make the ultimate squad.
“What he has gone on to do has been outstanding,” says Musonda of his former team-mate. “He’s within the historical past books now.” No person is having fun with Luton’s rise greater than their outdated academy participant. “I’m nonetheless an enormous fan. I watch them on TV each weekend.”
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Musonda is an inspiration in his personal proper. He began his personal teaching enterprise in Bedford earlier than transferring north of the border and even has a enterprise diploma, one thing he began when he was a young person enjoying for Luton. It displays a maturity past his years.
“I felt I had time on my fingers and I had seen different gamers round me who didn’t handle to forge careers out of the sport. I might see how rapidly careers can finish. It’s one other string to my bow. I simply need to continue to learn. I need to be a bit extra bulletproof.”
He’s studying a language too. Bemba is the language of alternative amongst his Zambia team-mates once they return to play for his or her nation. “I’m choosing up increasingly. I need to converse it fluently. On the pitch, I’m talking a mixture of each Bemba and English now.”
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The one query is how lengthy his AFCON journey will final. In Leicester Metropolis striker Patson Daka, Zambia boast a potent attacking weapon however a lot will rely on the organisation, self-discipline and unity of the supporting forged. Musonda is optimistic.
“We’re a group who’re a bit extra below the radar however there may be numerous perception. The purpose is to get out of the group and after that you just simply need to take it sport by sport. We’re not there to make up the numbers. We’re there to make the individuals again residence proud.”
Thousands and thousands of Zambians can be cheering on the Ayr United defender. “All my family and friends can be following. Possibly a pair will come out to see us. They’re all very enthusiastic about it.” And for Musonda? “I simply don’t need it to finish. Every sport is a blessing.”