In an exclusive interview with The Nerve Africa, 17-year-old Joseph Banda, a forward for Zambia’s U-20 National Team, has revealed his upcoming professional journey with Swiss top-flight club FC Zurich. After participating in the club’s trials in May earlier this year, Banda is poised to sign a professional contract with FC Zurich next month.
Banda had temporarily returned to Zambia after the trials to embark on a short-term loan with Nkwazi FC from Red Arrows. His inability to sign a professional contract at the time was due to age restrictions, as he was underage. However, with his 18th birthday approaching on December 17th, Banda is eager to return to Zurich and officially join FC Zurich.
Addressing misconceptions about his earlier trials, Banda clarified,
“Some people thought that I failed trials in Europe, but the issue was that I was young and couldn’t sign a contract. Yes, I will be going back next month and finally sign with Zurich.”
This won’t be Banda’s first experience with European trials, as he previously attended Barcelona FC’s trials in Spain last year. Undeterred by the past, he is determined to make a lasting impression in Switzerland. “I want to go to Europe and succeed there; I don’t want to come back like it happened at Barcelona. I’ll put in a lot of effort and achieve my dreams,” he declared with confidence.
Back home in Zambia, many believe that Banda is destined to become the next big football sensation for the Chipolopolo Boys. Oswald Mutapa, Banda’s coach at Nkwazi, expressed his confidence in the young player, saying, “He is a hardworking young man, and I am confident that he will excel in Europe and achieve fame.”
