Former Orlando Pirates star Justin Shonga dies

 Former Orlando Pirates forward Justin Shonga has passed away, as confirmed by the Football Association of Zambia. The association stated that Shonga died on Sunday evening at a hospital in Zambia following a brief illness.

Shonga, who last played for Najran FC in Saudi Arabia, where he signed a short-term contract to conclude the 2023/24 season, has left a notable mark in his football journey.

The Football Association of Zambia posted on their Facebook page, saying, "Former Zambia National Team midfielder Justin Shonga has passed away." Zambia Police Deputy Spokesperson Dan Mwale also confirmed in an interview with the FAZ Media Team that Shonga died at Sikanze Military Hospital after a brief illness.

Shonga spent three years at Orlando Pirates after moving from Zambian Super League side Nkwazi FC in 2017. He departed the club at the end of the 2019/20 season, seeking new opportunities after losing favor, particularly under Serbian coach Milutin Sredojević.

During his time with the Soweto giants, he made 70 appearances, scoring 16 goals and contributing 16 assists. Following his departure from Pirates, Shonga's career took him to various clubs, including Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila, Cape Town City FC, Ismaily SC in Egypt, Sekhukhune United, and a return to Nkwazi FC, among others.

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Shonga made his debut for the Zambia national team in June 2017, earning 15 caps and scoring seven goals for the 2012 AFCON champions.