"I feel happy playing football". Prospers' journey, aspirations and an undying love for the beautiful game.

Sisu Africa Talents i Posted on 2022-10-16 19:05:47

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Prosper Chiluya was visibly engrossed in an interview that spanned even beyond physical presence. His smile sheds brightly through the screen and he couldn't help the over pouring of emotions that spill over - reeling his journeys and taking a hypothetical look at his future and unmaterialized aspiration. The words flow " I grew up liking and kicking football" after being asked about what prompted him to this taxing career.

 

Prosper, a Zambian who grew up in Luapula, a suburban village in the bustling capital of Zambia, Lusaka, is not without an appreciation of his background. "You have to appreciate where you come from, it is what builds your story, your identity" he says. Zambia sits at the crossroads of central and southern Africa and is appreciated for a range of cultural diversity and a rich football life.

 

So far, the country's biggest leap to the summit of Africa football experience dates back to the 2012 AFCON tournament when she fought all odds to win in an intriguing shootout affair. Subsequently, the country has since largely become a fringe country in the continent's sports space, with only a few iconic moments under its sleeves.

 

Nevertheless, Prosper has an unalloyed reference for the country of his birth. "In Zambia where I come from, the value system is high. We love each other and everyone is happy with their lives".  Incredibly, they have all transmitted into an impassioned love for his profession.

 

Representing Zambia in numerous age-grade tournaments, which includes being a part of the triumphant 2012 squad, Prosper is left increasingly sated with how far he's come. He aspires playing for Zambia at the biggest stage as he even patiently awaits the sternest test yet. 

Cup triumph with Red Arrows.

Despite his appreciation, playing professionally invites a broad possibility of reality, which sometimes can be unfortunately destructive to players' careers.  In contrast to Europe, Africa doesn't enjoy a fluid structural arrangement and the sporting administration largely reeks of corruption, constituting people whose self-gratification knows no limits.

 

From someone with a first hand experience, Prosper spares no word "Africa has bad facilities", Having played in saner climes, he draws a stark contrast as he bemoans the lack of psychological support, which he believes is a catalyst in the drive towards becoming a professional. "Sometimes a footballer needs someone to talk to," he says. "Playing football is a herculean task and sometimes you need mental help, a support for so many trying times".

 

Prosper also understands the enormity of fan support in the modern age of football. He's one of Zambia's most followed pages and his career has been mostly nomadic, seeing him play in Cyprus, the United States and some parts of Europe. "Fans' expectations can be overwhelming", he adds. “From time to time, they want us to perform at the highest levels and to always compete". Understandably, these are the ordeals associated with playing at the elitist levels but the 24 year old player is unfazed nonetheless.

 

        Prosper pointing towards the sky after a cup triumph.

 Having come from a religious background, Prosper's coping mechanism is intentionally hinged on the centrality of God in his journey.  In fact, this is even evident in the mention of God at the nearest length of our conversation. "With God, I believe in the impossibility and the realization of the unexpected". Prosper believes his dreams are mere slingshots at the behest of his faith as he boasts further aggressively "I want to play for the best clubs in Europe, Manchester United especially". he loftily adds.

 

Prosper has been a lifelong Manchester United fan since he was little. He models his playing pattern on Patrice Evra as he quietly dreams of playing at the theater of dreams. "It is taking it a step at a time". Unsurprisingly, the 24 y/o exalts the virtues of Christian doctrines.

 

Prosper is a cheerful giver and his philanthropy knows no bounds. "I love sharing. Sharing with people who don't have it is my little way of being happy". The player has worked for NGO institutes and he sees a role model in Sadio Mane whom he aspires to.

The Zambian footballer also embodies sacrosanct virtues characterized with high achievers. His personal work ethic remains an interesting phase in his storied affair. Quickly rising from the beds, Prosper takes important naps giving his demanding role of athleticism as a left back. But beneath his fierce professionalism is a soothing sense of selflessness and humility. He has grown a special bond with livestock animals and always strives to keep them in good conditions.

 

As the session draws to a close, he reminisces on his glorious past and how he was inspired from his father's fervor in the game. "My father is an important part of my journey". he says. In moments when I was down, he helped  cope with the demands of the game but so is my girlfriend", he adds, speaking glowingly of his partner, Alice. With a career that is  inspiring, Prosper is even ever more invigorated to continue with his head on tight. "You can't slack, the sky is always never the limit. You just have to continue, never giving up" he concludes.

 

Prosper Chiluya is a Zambian footballer currently playing for Red Arrows. Know more about his personal journey by following him across all social media platforms.

 

Instagram: @ProsperChiluya3.

Facebook: @ProsperChiluya.

Twitter: @ProsperChiluya3

 

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