Ghampani Lungu makes flying start after Orlando Pirates move

Ghampani Lungu says his move to Orlando Pirates has been a smooth one, with the Zambia utility player already scoring twice for the club ahead of the new season.

The 27-year-old was one of the more unexpected additions to the Buccaneers after spending eight years in the PSL with SuperSport United, who later became Siwelele.

Lungu has quickly made an impact at Orlando Pirates. He scored the winning goal against Durban City in the MTN8 quarter-final before finding the net again in the club’s 3-0 league victory over Chippa United.

The Zambia international said he was pleased to discover that one of the country’s biggest clubs wanted to sign him, although the approach did not come as a complete surprise.

“It wasn’t really a surprise, but it was a boost to know that a big club was talking to me and wanting me to add to their club,” Lungu told OrlandoPiratesFC.com.

“It was a really good thing. Really felt good.”

Lungu believes his previous experience in South African football has helped him settle quickly at his new club. Having spent so long in the league, he already knew many of the players in the Orlando Pirates squad.

“I’ve been in the league for the past eight years,” he added.

“I know most of the players. Even some of the players that are here, I’ve played with some of them back at SuperSport and stuff like that.

“The players I came with from Siwelele are also here. That’s why I think I could adapt easily. I think the experience of being in the whole football industry has played a big part in it.”

The presence of former team-mates has also helped Lungu’s transition, with some of the players who joined him from Siwelele now part of the Orlando Pirates squad.

His early goals have come at important moments, with the MTN8 strike securing progress against Durban City and his league goal contributing to a convincing win over Chippa United. Those performances have given the new signing an encouraging start as he adjusts to life with the Buccaneers.

Lungu’s arrival followed a long spell with SuperSport United, where he established himself during eight years in the PSL before the club later became Siwelele. That familiarity with the league and its players has allowed him to adapt without significant difficulty.

The iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is available free of charge. Readers can download it using the button provided or complete the form to have it delivered every week.