Raymond Mdaka explains how Orlando Pirates defender Milimo Nalumango switched from Zambia to South Africa

South Africa Under-20 coach Raymond Mdaka says FIFA procedures and discussions with Zambia enabled Orlando Pirates defender Milimo Nalumango to join the national team.

Nalumango, 19, was included in South Africa’s preliminary squad for the COSAFA Cup in Mozambique, despite previously representing Zambia at both Under-17 and Under-20 level.

His selection came as a surprise because the defender had already featured for Zambia’s youth teams. Mdaka said Nalumango’s existing links with several members of the South Africa squad helped explain his inclusion.

“I think Milimo, I was shocked – the day he came to the session, I felt it’s not here… because he played for Zambia but I was shocked and surprised about the relationship with other players,” Mdaka said.

“The boy has been here for some time, it’s just he played with Zambia, he’s been with most of the boys that have been here – but what we did so that we are not caught on the wrong side.”

Nalumango is a product of the SuperSport United academy. He spent the past few years in Germany with DFI Bad Aibling before recently joining Orlando Pirates.

Mdaka said the player and his parents made their intentions clear, prompting South Africa’s football authorities to begin the formal process of securing his availability.

“Immediately, when he came, with his parents, showing interest, we decided to go professional, we went to the office and said there’s this boy who wants to do this,” he said.

“We engaged with FIFA, followed the processes, engaged with Zambia and at long last he was released to be able to play for South Africa.”

The coach’s explanation comes after Nalumango’s unexpected appearance on the preliminary list, where he was named alongside young players from Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The tall defender is expected to be part of Orlando Pirates’ new DStv Diski Challenge squad during the coming season. His performances at that level will provide an opportunity to push for involvement with the club’s first-team set-up.

For now, his international future has been settled after South Africa completed the required discussions with FIFA and Zambia, allowing him to be considered for the Under-20 side.