Justin Shonga bio: age, nationality, stats, salary, contract, car, profile
Justin Shonga is a Zambian powerhouse whose skills speak for him. He rose to the top quickly but has his share of career troubles. From not scoring a goal this season to being allegedly axed from Orlando Pirates for breaching protocol, read everything about him.
Are you wondering, 'How old is Justin Shonga?.' This article delves into the renowned player's life, how he made his way to the Orlando Pirates from when he was a kid, and much more.
Justin Shonga bio
- Date of birth: November 5th, 1996
- Justin Shonga age: 23 years
- Place of birth: Chipata, Zambia
- Justin Shonga measurements: 1.79 m (5 ft 10 1⁄2 in)
- Weight: 64.8kg
- Playing position: Forward
- Current team: Orlando Pirates FC.
- Justin Shonga jersey number: 12
- Teams played for: Nkwazi, Orlando Pirates FC, Zambia national football team
- Justin Shonga nickname: Sugar and Spice
Early life
In the Eastern Province of Zambia, in a small town called Chipata, a great player was born. Justin grew up supporting the Orlando Pirates, it is no easy feat, but he became a part of his favourite team.
He attended the Smiling Kids Academy, and when he was 12 years old, he began playing football at the school, building and nurturing his talent. As he grew up, he later joined the Chipata Young Stars Football Club.
Career
From the Chipata Young Stars FC, he was recruited by the Zambian national under 17 football team. He later played for the Paramilitary Police Academy when he was a police officer in Zambia. He had this to say about both his careers as an officer and a footballer:
I am still a police officer back home in Zambia. It is not easy to play football and be a police officer, it takes a lot of determination, and you have to work hard and focus. You have to focus on the goals that you want to achieve in your life.
After this, he joined the Nkwazi Football Club, and he played for a while before being spotted and called to feature for the Zambian National Team. In 2017, the renowned player joined the Orlando Pirates, a move that saw him leave the Nkwazi F.C. Those are the Justin Shonga teams.
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Justin Shonga transfer news
Several reports in June suggested that the Tanzanian giants, Simba SC, were looking to sign him. His agent Mike Ngobeni says they were set to meet the former African champions to discuss the player's future.
On July 26th, according to Goal.com, he was on the radar of Portuguese club CS Maritimo. This news came after the talented athlete saw limited game-time the entire season.
Justin Shonga stats show that he only featured 11 times this entire season, including 8 in the league. Justin Shonga goals this season are zero. His struggling stats can be attributed to the fact that he is in the same team as other great players like Gabadinho Mhango, Tshegofatso Mabasa, and Augustine Mulenga.
Transfer season saw many claims that Justin Shonga contract may be modified, and he may join another team. However, in late June, he chatted with Pirates fans and said he would go nowhere. He claims that he is having too much fun to leave Pirates and is excited to work with the new coach.
Justin Shonga salary
As of April 8th, 2020, Justin Shonga Transfermarkt showed that the player's market value stands at 600,000 pounds. While his highest market value thus far was in June 2019 at 850,000 pounds. Justin Shonga car reflects his well paying job; he drives a BMW 330i, which he bought at a whopping R699,816.
He shared the picture of his new ride on Justin Shonga Instagram.
Justin Shonga news
Justin and Thembinkosi Lorch have been temporarily axed by their team, Orlando Pirates, for breach of team protocols. This happened on August 11th.
According to a statement on the team's website, they will both undergo a disciplinary procedure for violating team protocol. They will also need to test negative for Covid-19, twice, before coming back on the team.
The statement reads:
Thembinkosi Lorch and Justin Shonga have been excluded from the squad that reported for the BSE bubble on Sunday following a breach of the team's protocols. Both players will be allowed to return to play once the disciplinary processes have been finalised.
READ ALSO: Thembinkosi Lorch biography: age, measurements, wife, parents, current team, stats, salary, car, house, and Instagram
There was a lot of backlash on Twitter. Fans were enraged that the two players messed up right before a game against Mamelodi Sundowns at Dobsonville Stadium.
Frequently asked questions
Following the number of teams that he is rumoured to be joining, there are tons of questions about what he is currently doing to the false domestic violence claims. Here are some FAQs about one of the best Zambian players.
Is Justin Shonga leaving Pirates?
No, he is not. He clarified this on his team's app. Justin Shonga Orlando Pirates is set to continue for almost another year until his contract is terminated or renewed.
Where is Justin Shonga?
Contrary to the news saying that he is to be transferred, he is in the Orlando Pirates. However, he will not be playing until he is tested for Covid-19. He will only return to the team once he has been through a disciplinary hearing process.
Is Justin Shonga injured?
No, he is not. He was only injured in 2019. This was after he suffered a minor thigh knock.
That is all the information about Justin Shonga. He was the young boy from Smiling Kids Academy, who beat the odds and made his story from a small town a successful one.
READ ALSO: Turkish side willing to pay R28 million for Thembinkosi Lorch
Briefly.co.za reported on Orlando Pirates receiving $2 million, which is equivalent to R2 million as a bid for Thembinkosi Lorch. The bidder is Besiktas, a Turkish football team.
According to The Citizen, the team is willing to part with the massive amount but have not yet received a response to the bid. In the January transfer window, The Pirates turned down Clun Brugge's R30 million offer for the talented player.
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Source: Briefly News