Zambia's top striker joins Congo club

Zambia's national soccer team top striker Winstone Kalengo has joined Congo Brazzaville side AC Leopards on a one year deal, his club said on Tuesday.

Kalengo, who helped local club Zesco United win this year's super league after scoring 18 goals, has since been excused from joining the national soccer team currently preparing for the Rwanda 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The club said on its website that the deal with the Congolese side was reached on Monday and that the player is scheduled to join his new side before the 7th of February.

"The two clubs concluded talks and the goal poacher is set to join his new club before 7th February when the league in that country starts," Justin Mumba, the club's secretary said.

"He has been an instrumental player in the years he has been here and we are happy that his work is paying off," he added.

The striker said he was sad to leave the club where he has spent five years but promised that he will return once his contract expires.

"I have been here for five years and leaving home is like leaving a part of me although I feel I have played my part here and it's time for me to move and try out a new challenge," he told the website.

Kalengo spent five years at Zesco where he won the Super League twice and the Barclays Cup once. He also won three league titles with another supper league outfit Zanaco between 2005 and 2009.

He also bagged the 201 Zambian Player-Of-The-Year, Top scorer and Disciplined player awards during the MTN/Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) awards. Endit