Clatous Chama has sparked growing calls for a FIFA Puskas Award nomination after scoring a stunning acrobatic volley for Simba S.C. in the fiercely contested Kariakoo derby against rivals Young Africans S.C.
The Zambian midfielder produced the moment of brilliance in the 10th minute of Sunday’s 2-2 draw in the NBC Premier League, with the spectacular strike quickly going viral across social media and gaining international attention, including coverage from CNN.
The goal has since ignited a campaign in Tanzania for Chama to be considered for the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award, presented each year to the player judged to have scored the best goal in world football.
Chama was already at the heart of Simba’s bright start in the derby. Just three minutes into the match, he launched a swift counterattack after Simba won possession near the halfway line before delivering a perfectly weighted through ball for Libase Gueye, who finished calmly to give Simba the lead.
Seven minutes later came the defining moment of the match.
After exchanging passes with Elie Mpanzu on the edge of the area, Chama continued his run into the box.
Mpanzu then lofted the ball towards him, but with the delivery slightly behind his body, the Chipolopolo playmaker improvised brilliantly — launching himself into the air before directing an acrobatic outside-of-the-foot volley beyond the goalkeeper.
The breathtaking finish left fans and pundits comparing it to some of the most iconic goals in recent football history.
Despite Simba surrendering their lead through close-range strikes from Prince Dube and Bakari Mwamnyeto, Chama’s dazzling display earned him the Man of the Match award.
The 33-year-old has continued his strong form, scoring again on Wednesday night as Simba edged JKT Tanzania 1-0 to keep pace in the title race.
Introduced in 2009, the FIFA Puskas Award honours the best goal scored in club or international football during the calendar year and is named after legendary Hungarian forward Ferenc Puskás.
Past winners include Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimović, James Rodríguez and Son Heung-min, while Mohamed Salah remains the only African player to have won the award.
