Name: Kalililo Kakonje
Age: 36
Caps: 34
Where is he? Currently he is at Red Arrows as goalkeepers coach
Jersey no. 1
Position: GoalKeeper
Previous Clubs: Lusaka Dynamos, Power Dynamos, Golden Arrows, Nathi Lions, Amazulu, TP Mazembe, Napsa Stars
Last Match: v Tunisia (2011)
Debut: v Togo (2004)
Zambia XI v Togo (05 June 2004) Kalililo Kakonje – Lloyd Mumba, Misheck Lungu, Billy Mwanza, Joseph Musonda – Justine Mwilima (Christopher Katongo 36′), Andrew Sinkala, Ian Bakala (Mumanga Numba 53′), Jacob Mulenga – Collins Mbesuma (Boyd Mwila 76′), Harry Milanzi.
He might not have played a single minute in that run to the final, but Kalililo was highly regarded inside the Chipolopolo set up.
“Kali was a people’s man. He never picked up sides or associate himself with a particular group. When things were tough, he would show his maturity and help stabilise the group,” a member of the AFCON winning squad told the ZamFoot Crew
Kalililo Kakonje made his debut for Zambia in 2004 in a Germany 2006 World Cup qualifier against Togo at Lusaka’s Independence Stadium.
Kalililo was seen by many as Davies Phiri’s heir to the throne until Kennedy Mweene showed up on the scene.
Despite having the luxury of naming 3 goalkeepers, then Zambia coach Kalusha Bwalya to have two in his Egypt 2006 African Cup of Nations squad.
Kalililo was left out as Kalusha opted for George Kolala and Mweene, a decision which stunned many at the time.
He finally made it into an AFCON squad in 2008 under Patrick Phiri and subsequently part of the 2010, 2012 and 2013 squads.
While he went to 4 AFCON tournaments, Kalililo never played a single game.
Having featured for clubs in South Africa and DR Congo, he returned home and is currently the goalkeeping trainer at Red Arrows.
He helped unearth Kenyan first choice goalkeeper Ian Otieno, who is currently at Zesco United.
The 36 year old is currently grooming Charles Kalumba, a potential Chipolopolo goalkeeper.
He has been attached to the Zambia junior teams and he might join Aljosa Asanovic’s new Chipolopolo bench.
