Former Kaizer Chiefs star Collins Mbesuma says it would bring him great joy to see his son Lineker follow in his footsteps as a Zambia junior international and beyond.
15-year-old Lineker, who is also a striker like his dad, is currently playing academy football in South Africa with Warriors FC.
“Lineker started playing at SuperSport Soccer School when he was six years old; then he moved to Bidvest. From there, he went to TS Galaxy, and he is now with Warriors FC and is turning 15,” Mbesuma told FARPost.
“He is doing very fine, and I am trying to push him. Remember, he is only tuning 15 years, but they are playing him even in the Under-17 and 19’s teams.”
Mbesuma junior was born in Zambia but grew up in South Africa.
“Yes, FAZ asked me about him if he is going to play for Zambia, and I said yes, he is Zambian. I hope they will give him the opportunity,” Mbesuma said.
It is fingers crossed to see if Mbesuma juniors’ journey may start as soon as the 2022 COSAFA U17 Cup that will be held from November 30-December 10 in Malawi.
The COSAFA U17 Cup act as zonal qualifiers for the Algeria 2023 U17 AFCON.
Nicknamed ‘Ntofo-Ntofo’ during his time at Amakhosi, he still holds a record of 25 strikes in a season [PSL games]. That same season – 2004/05 – he registered 35 goals in all competitions.
Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile came close to smashing that record last season, only falling short by two points.
The 38-year-old Mbesuma runs his foundation and launched the Copperbelt Youth Football Tournament last year.
The initiative was well received by authorities in Zambia, who encouraged football stars and ex-players to give back to communities.
At the time, the Football Association of Zambia said such initiatives were an integral part of the game and would ensure all-around growth.
Mbesuma has not officially retired from the game.
