Zambian winger Lameck Banda breaks silence after mysterious absence from Lecce

Lecce have received the first public sign from Zambia international Lameck Banda after the forward went missing from the club’s pre-season preparations and failed to make contact for more than two weeks.

The 24-year-old has resurfaced by sharing a story on his Instagram account, bringing an end to a prolonged period of silence that had raised concerns at the Italian club. The post, shared on Thursday, showed Banda training in a gym, marking his first social media activity since early July.

Banda had been expected to report back to Lecce on 12 July for the start of pre-season training after spending his holiday in Zambia, where he was due to get married before returning to Italy. However, he failed to arrive as scheduled and did not communicate with the club for 15 days.

His unexplained absence prompted growing concern within Lecce, with the Serie A side later addressing the situation in an official statement.

Nine days after pre-season training had begun, the club explained that Banda had informed them that unresolved logistical and administrative issues were preventing his return to Italy.

The statement read: “US Lecce informs that the player, called up for the resumption of sporting activities, has today indicated that the logistical and administrative problems which have, until now, prevented his return to Italy are continuing […] The club will carry out the necessary checks regarding the circumstances invoked by the player and reserves the right to take any appropriate measures, including disciplinary action, to ensure compliance with the contractual obligations linked to a contract running until June 30, 2027.”

The statement also made clear that Lecce intended to investigate the reasons behind the player’s continued absence while reserving the right to take disciplinary measures if necessary.

Banda’s Instagram story on Thursday offered the first indication that he is safe and well after weeks without any public communication. The image showed the Zambian international working out in a gym, although it provided no further information regarding his situation or when he intends to return to the club.

Before Thursday’s update, Banda’s most recent social media activity dated back to 6 July, when he posted photographs of himself and his partner enjoying a boat trip during his holiday.

Although his latest post has reassured supporters that he is well, questions remain over when the Zambian winger will rejoin Lecce as preparations for the new season continue.