By Valentine Mukuka
Fifteen (15) years after his death, the family of late Chipolopolo and Mighty Mufulira Wanderers legend Harrison “Wawa” Chongo is striving to keep his legacy beyond football circles.
At his peak, Chongo starred for Zambia at four editions of the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in which he won silver at the 1994 event in Tunisia and bronze at the 1996 tournament in South Africa.
The legendary defender died in 2011 aged 42 at the time he was coaching his boyhood club Mufulira Wanderers.
Chongo’s first born son Castro has been leading the advocacy to keep his father’s legacy alive.
“My father, Harrison Wawa Chongo, was more than just a footballer. He was a mentor, a leader, and a source of inspiration to everyone around him. Growing up under his guidance, I learned that a legacy is not only about achievements on the field. It is about values, lessons and the impact you leave on people’s lives,” Castro told Icengelo Magazine.
Harrison Chongo Street located in Mufulira’s Ndeke Township is named after the deceased celebrity, who played for Saudi Arabian club Al Taawoun from 1992 to 2002.
“Since his passing, I have made it my mission to keep his memory alive. I connect with his former teammates, fans, and football clubs, collecting photos, stories and memorabilia that tell the full story of who he was not just as a footballer, but also as a person. Each memory I gather adds depth to the legacy he left behind,” he said.
Beyond the traditional media platforms built around radio and television, Castro has embarked on a social media campaign to tell his father’s story in a bid to inspire young footballers.
“Social media has become one of the most powerful tools in this journey. Through platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, I post old photos, videos, and stories and fans often share their own memories, helping me paint a complete picture of his life and influence. One time, his former teammate from Saudi Arabia posted a photo and story about my father and it sparked conversations with people I had never met. It reminded me that his impact goes far beyond what I see at home; it reaches across continents,” he narrated.
Wawa played active football for nearly 20 years before venturing into coaching. His peers included Elijah Litana, Tennant Chilumba, Happy Sichikolo and Kenneth ‘Bubble’ Malitoli.
“For me, keeping my father’s legacy alive is not just about remembering the past. It is also about inspiring the future. I want young Zambian footballers to see his story and learn that success is not just about talent, it’s about discipline, teamwork, humility and integrity,” Castro said.
“Every post, every story and every memory I share is my way of honouring my father. I want people to know him not just for the strikers he stopped or the matches he won, but for the person he was, the lessons he taught and the lives he touched. Through dedication, storytelling and the power of social media, I am proud to say that my father’s legacy lives on, inspiring and connecting people even today,” he concluded.
Wawa came close to switching from Saudi Arabia to the English Premier League in 1997 but the deal fell through after being overpriced following successful trials at Crystal Palace and Barnsley.
