Lazarous Kambole joined Kaizer Chiefs with high hopes of making a name for himself like never before.
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The Zambian clearly has big shoes to fill as he has always been compared to the likes of Collins Mbesuma and Wedson Nyirenda.
But things did not go well for Kambole at Chiefs and after three years, he was released by the Naturena side.
Kambole has failed to make the team under three different coaches, but fellow Zambian Clifford Mulenga has a different view on what happened.
Mulenga played in South Africa as a youth for various clubs including Bloemfontein Celtic.
He said South African players have attitudes towards foreign players especially those of Zambian descent.
“When Kambole joined Kaizer Chiefs there were great expectations on him,” Mulenga was quoted as saying by Touchline News.
“Players adapt differently to a new environment. Kambole has just moved to a new country and joined one of the biggest clubs in African football.
“And it takes a long time to adapt to a new environment,” added the former Bidvest Wits player.
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Mulenga then suggested that the attitude Kambole had to take could kill him.
“The attitude of the South African players is different and you have to know that (beforehand).
“The South African players have a different attitude to the Zambian players and that can be a big factor.
“When I first came to South Africa, it took me a long time to adapt. I understand the culture and mentality of South Africans in general.
Language and accent can be a stumbling block
“People used to tease me when I spoke (accent). I was friends with the late Dumisani Masilela – may his soul rest in peace – and George Maluleka who advised me to understand the culture first.
“They said if I do, I will fit in,” said Mulenga who won the Caf Young Player of the Year in 2005.
Language and accent can be a difficult barrier for foreign players, advises Mulenga.
“If you speak English with some players, they will respond in IsiZulu or SeSotho and as a foreign player that can affect you.
“I experienced that too. James Chamanga, Collins Mbesuma and David Nkausu all experienced.
“Maybe that’s what happened with Kambole at Chiefs,” Mulenga said.