South Africa national U20 head coach Raymond Mdaka has explained how new Orlando Pirates defender Milimo Nalumango was secured for the national team after representing Zambia at youth level.
Nalumango, 19, represented Zambia at U17 and U20 level, and is a product of SuperSport United’s academy but spent the last few years in Germany at DFI Bad Aibling before his recent move to Pirates.
- ALSO READ: Pirates, Chiefs & Downs Youngsters In Amajita Prelim Squad
- Next Bafana Opponents Confirmed
The towering defender was a surprising name listed in the U20 preliminary squad for the upcoming Cosafa Cup in Mozambique and Mdaka has shed light into the decision.
“I think Milimo, I was shocked – the day he came to the session, I felt it’s not here… because he played for Zambia but I was shocked and surprised about the relationship with other players,” he said.
“The boy has been here for some time, it’s just he played with Zambia, he’s been with most of the boys that have been here – but what we did so that we are not caught on the wrong side.
“Immediately, when he came, with his parents, showing interest, we decided to go professional, we went to the office and said there’s this boy who wants to do this.
“We engaged with FIFA, followed the processes, engaged with Zambia and at long last he was released to be able to play for South Africa.”
Nalumango is set to form part of the new DStv Diski Challenge squad of Pirates this season with a view of breaking into the first team set-up.
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.