Rainford “Master” Kalaba is the new TP Mazembe captain – taking over from 35-year old Jean Kasusula Kiritsho.
Kasusula, who harbors political ambitions, yesterday at Stade Mazembe, Lubumbashi passed over the armband to Kalaba before the Ravens thrashed Lubumbashi Sport 4-1 in a warm-up, before a packed crowd.
Kalaba, who is also the skipper of Zambia’s “Chipolopolo” will be assisted by Issama Mpeko.
In the match, Kasusula broke the deadlock with a lovely free-kick in the 10th minute, with Misheck Elia making it 2-0 in the 38th minute.
The newly installed captain made it 3-0 in the 52nd minute, before Patient Twite reduced the deficit to 3-1.
Ben Malango would score after several attempts to seal the “satisfactory”4-1 victory.
Mazembe XI: Matampi, Issama, Kimwaki, Coulibaly, Kasusula, Sinkala, Koume, Kalaba, Elia, Malango, Asante.
Patou Kabangu, Slyvian Gbohouo and Yaw Frimpong replaced Elia, Matampi and Issama respectively.
Mazembe, 5-times African Champions, and the reigning CAF Cup holders are preparing for the 2017 CAF Super Cup duel against Mamelodi Sundowns (the current African Champions) of South Africa Saturday 18 in Pretoria.
