After announcing his death, Tout Puissant Mazembe corrected their information by announcing that their former "Maestro" is indeed alive. However, he is in a "critical condition" as he has been placed in an "artificial coma" by the doctors who received him. Before this clarification, Mazembe had received news of his death from the emergency responders who transported him to the hospital. But several sources from the "University Teaching Hospital" where the African champion in both club and national team is being treated affirm that the talented former Mazembe player is still alive.
2012 African Champion with Zambia's Chipolopolo Boys, Rainford Kalaba was aboard his vehicle with a female passenger who, according to Tout Puissant Mazembe manager Frédéric Kitenge Kikumba, passed away instantly in the accident.
"The Maestro" spent 13 years with the club from Lubumbashi, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He joined the Ravens in 2010 from Portugal. At TP Mazembe, the Zambian offensive midfielder "little" (in size) quickly carved out a significant place for himself in the Corbeaux's squad, eventually wearing the captain's armband, the Congolese club acknowledges. The former player of Braga (Portugal) and Zamalek (Egypt), remains one of the most decorated players that the Congolese club has had in its roster of athletes.
As an emblematic player, the "Maestro" played a decisive role in the conquest of the Champions League in 2015, under the guidance of coach Patrice Carteron. His leadership, offensive efficiency, and experience were major assets to the team during this historic season, including an epic goal in the final in Algiers, the capital of Algeria.
Kalaba left Mazembe in June of last season, leaving behind countless memories in Lubumbashi. With the Corbeaux, he played 243 matches scoring 74 goals, and in the Zambian selection, he has surpassed the 100-caps milestone scoring 15 goals.
He won 17 titles with Mazembe including 9 national championship titles and 3 Congolese Super Cups. On the continental level, with Mazembe, he has won one Champions League, 2 Confederation Cups, and 2 CAF Super Cups.
Dido Nsapu