Have patience, Aime Mabika’s naturalization is on course- Sports Minister tells fans

Minister of Sports, Honorable Elvis Nkandu has reassured fans that the naturalization process of United States of America based defender Aime Mabika is on course.

Mabika was born at Chawama Clinic in Lusaka on August 16, 1998, of Congolese parents before they migrated to the United States of America when he was eight years old.

Honorable Nkandu said the issue is with the Ministry of Home Affairs who need to be given time to complete the process and do the right thing.

Honorable Nkandu also asked soccer fans to be patient with Government as they have procedures to follow.

“Are you telling me this game against Ivory Coast is the only game ? There are other games, But am not saying all hope is lost. All am saying is that the Ministry of Home Affairs is looking into this, We will give them time, Thats another Ministry. We will make sure that everything is done GS, the same way it has been done with Frankie,” He said during a press conference at his office.

“I journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. We want him and it’s the Zambian people who will make feel like he is not wanted. We going to make sure that issue is dealt with.

We are confident that a positive result will come forth , it may not be today or tomorrow as long as we follow procedure and do the right thing. We Want you Zambians to be patient. So I wanted to mention that Mabika is still with us.”

“We are doing everything possible and very soon that issue will reach it’s logical conclusion. We have been talking to the FAZ and they have been giving us all the necessary documentation,” he added.

Mabika was handed his first national team call-up by Chipolopolo coach Aljosa Asanovic during the March FIFA window for the friendly games.

The 23-year-old and Frankie Chisenga Musonda made a defensive partnership with many soccer fans impressed by their combination and outing.

The lanky defender will miss the upcoming two AFCON qualifiers. Zambia will be away to Ivory Coast on June 3rd before hosting Comoros four days later.