EXCLUSIVE: ‘I Cry When I Watch Football’ - Ex Zambian Winger Fwayo Tembo

Former Zambia National Team winger Fwayo Tembo has spoken up about his career, clarifying a long-held opinion that he failed to fulfil his full potential after moving to Europe.

Tembo's football career came to an end at the age of 29 in 2018. He had previously played for Ètoile Sahel, Astra Guirgui, Hapoel Ra'anana, Power Dynamos, Lusaka Dynamos, and FC Basel.

ON EARLY RETIREMENT 

Many fans have criticized him since his retirement, stating that he failed to manage his career properly during his prime years owing to alcohol abuse, which resulted in his rather premature retirement.

However, in an interview with SportsBoom.com, Tembo denied these claims. “I played football to the highest level. Everyone wishes to play in the UEFA Champions League, which I did. I enjoyed my football career,” Tembo said.

The former Chipolopolo winger, who made 24 international appearances, revealed that his retirement was due to a hip injury and a spinal condition, contrary to popular belief.

“I played football in the UEFA Champions League; I played in Europa; I played CAF Champions League. So my career was not premature; that's my response [to critics]."

He added, "I also want to play, but because of my leg and my spine, I can't play; I have a spinal problem; that’s what led to my retirement. Otherwise, I also wish I could still play.” 

EMOTIONAL WATCHING FOOTBALL

Tembo disclosed that since hanging up his boots, he finds it difficult watching football, especially if its Chipolopolo playing.

“I don't watch football. Especially when Zambia is playing. I do cry too much. So some people don't know the truth.”

Tembo moved from Zambia to Sousse, Tunisia, in 2008, at the age of 18, and signed with the Étoile Sportive du Sahel, a Tunisian Ligue 1 club. He made his professional debut in April 2008, and he appeared eight times in the 2008-09 Ligue 1 season, scoring twice.

Tembo won the Tunisian championship with his team. He appeared in 11 Ligue 1 games and scored six goals during the 2009-10 season. “I enjoyed my career, and I don’t regret anything. If not for the hip and spine problems, I would still be playing,” he said.

In 2010, he joined FC Basel from Étoile Sportive du Sahel on a four-year deal for a reported fee of €1.2 million, making 30 appearances for the club and only scoring two goals.

He featured for Basel’s UEFA Champions League group stage matches against Bayern Munich and CFR Cluj, respectively, during the 2010-2011 season before he was sent on loan, barely two years into his contract, and never returned to the club. 

WHAT’S NEXT FOR TEMBO? 

Tembo, who now lives in Lusaka's Mtendere township, has founded an amateur club called Ma Yusi (The Youths) to help young people in his community avoid drug and alcohol abuse.

“I thought I should help the youths by creating this club because I noticed that they were drinking and smoking too much, but we have a challenge of sponsorship. We need sponsorship.”

He has called on well wishers to help him run the club, which is not in any division at the moment.