Rainford Kalaba may not have won the accolade for Caf’s player of the year based in Africa but his 2016 was one to remember. The prince of Kamalondo had a fantastic season with TP Mazembe.
He took them to continental glory with his 7 goals in the process winning him the golden boot in the Confederations cup . The “Master” played a pivotal role in Mazembe’s season with many great performances, he even scored a brace in the second leg of the final.
Kalaba did not only top the Confederations cup scoring charts but also outscored every TP Mazembe player in 2016. He scored 14 goals in 2016 out of Mazembe’s total of 101 goals. He further made 5 assists which were the 5th highest number of assists in 2016 by a TP Mazembe player.
Rainford has a control of velvet, one you see from the worlds best midfielders like Iniesta and Luka modric. When he concludes a beautiful orchestrated move he scores a goal of wonder be it a flick or a bomb, or even a head kick. The jersey number 18 of TP Mazembe raises the supporters to the height of happiness. It is Merlin the enchanter. It’s Peter Pan the mischievous.
He was Voted TP Mazembe fans (Golden Raven) player of the year and he was also part of CAF’s Africas finest 11 players ahead of European based players like Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi.
He might have wished to win the accolade of best player based in Africa having been nominated for the second time but the nomination was an achievement in itself. One can only hope we havent seen the last of the Chipolopolo skipper as his majestic approach to football is one that puts a smile on many people’s faces.
