Didier Lamkel Zé’s recent switch to Belgian side Saint-Trond follows a turbulent period in his career, marked by a short stint at Turkish club Karagümrük.
The 28-year-old Cameroonian striker, known for his frequent moves between clubs, has now joined his 11th team.
However, this particular move to Belgium carries deeper significance, according to Romy Eteki, a prominent player’s agent at Promosport, who discussed Lamkel Zé’s motivations in an exclusive interview with Africafoot.
While Lamkel Zé’s career has been defined by a series of club changes, his decision to sign for Saint-Trond appears to be based on sound sporting reasoning.
“We’ve grown accustomed to Lamkel Zé’s frequent moves and his inconsistency on the field, although everyone agrees on his undeniable talent,” Eteki said. “But his move to Sint-Truiden is driven by more commendable reasons.”
Eteki pointed out that Lamkel Zé’s time in Turkey was largely motivated by the need to avoid sitting idle for six months without playing.
His Turkish venture, however, fell short of expectations and ultimately cost him a place in the Cameroonian national team.
Despite being a favourite of Cameroon’s head coach Marc Brys, Lamkel Zé’s lack of game time and the perceived lower standard of the Turkish second division led Brys to make it clear that the striker would not make the national squad without more competitive football.
“For Lamkel Zé, returning to a higher level of competition was necessary to reclaim his spot in the national team,” Eteki continued.
“His move to Belgium is a strategic one, as it places him back in a league he knows well—one where he’s had the most time on the pitch.”
At 28, Lamkel Zé’s return to Belgium is seen as a step forward in his career. Having previously played for Royal Antwerp and Courtrai, the striker is now joining a more competitive league than the Turkish second division, which enhances his prospects for future success.
With an eye on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, his move is driven by clear sporting priorities, with Belgium offering the level of competition he needs to advance.
Marc Brys, who has long been an admirer of Lamkel Zé, has expressed his ongoing support for the player, which may have influenced his decision.
Lamkel Zé, who is now wearing the number 10 jersey for Saint-Trond, is valued at €1 million by Transfermarkt and could very well find himself back in the Cameroonian national team as early as March for the next international window.
This move marks a new chapter for Lamkel Zé, who, despite his past challenges, remains a player with significant potential and a key figure to watch in the coming months.
