Former Zambia international midfielder, Francis Kasonde has died. Kasonde who was popularly known as Koje died this morning. Kasonde was coach for one of ZESCO Utd’s developmental teams based in Mongu.
Born and bred in Kitwe, Kasonde attended Ndeke Secondary School and was a member of the Zambia Schools team. He started his career in 1991 with Power’s developmental side, Young Power that known as Under Kachava during the ZCCM era.
Kasonde later joined Mulungushi Circuit Chiefs in 1994 and signed for Konkola Blades after a season at Garden Park. He was a member of the Chililabombwe outfit that played some good football alongside former Zambia international striker Dennis Lota, Lewingtone Mujembe, Harrison ‘Mila’ Miyambo, Charles Lota, Dabid Chilufya and goalkeeper Peter ‘Chilu Divers’ Chilufya to mention but a few.
Kasonde would join Magnificent Kabwe Warriors where he left an indelible mark with his midfield play before joining ZESCO Utd where he wound up his career.
Koje represented Zambia Under 20 in 1999 at the World Cup under veteran coach, Patrick Phiri. This was the first Zambian team ever to qualify to the World Cup at any level. The team had among them, Ronald ‘Nyuma’ Bambara, Andrew Sinkala, ball wizard Emmanuel Zulu, midfield genius Perry Mutapa, Evans ‘Beaver’ Mwaba and Chintu Kampamba to mention but just a few. Kasonde was part of the Zambia U-23 team that finished runners up at the All Africa games in South Africa in 1999 losing to Cameroon in the finals.
Kasonde was a veteran of one AFCON with Chipolopolo, the 2000 AFCON finals under late coach Ben Bamfuchile that was co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria.
Kasonde will be remembered as a naturally talented creative midfield genius. This is contained in a report published by A History of in Zambia, Mosonda M Membe.