Tout Puissant Mazembe will begin its new CAF Champions League campaign against Zamalek on Saturday without one of its key players, Zambian midfielder Rainford Kalaba. The club confirmed that Kalaba is sidelined with malaria, the same illness that prevented him from featuring in a recent domestic league match in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite his absence, the Ravens remain confident and focused on starting their group stage on a strong note. The squad is determined to adapt and perform at a high level, relying on their depth and collective experience to overcome the setback.
TP Mazembe’s preparations received an additional boost on Thursday with a visit from FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the club’s 80th anniversary celebrations. The occasion highlighted the club’s prominence in African football and their ambitions for the future, including plans for a new 50,000-seat stadium expected to be completed within five years.
With morale high and a clear vision for both present and future, TP Mazembe aims to make an immediate impact in the Champions League, demonstrating resilience even in the absence of key personnel like Kalaba.
