Zambian midfielder Songa Chipyoka has completed a five-year move to Portuguese Primeira Liga side Moreirense FC from Israeli club Hapoel Petah Tikva.
The 21-year-old arrived in Portugal and completed his medical tests on Thursday after a deal that had been delayed for several weeks was finally concluded.
Chipyoka’s transfer represents a significant step forward in his career and makes him the second Zambian player to leave Israel for Europe this summer, following Kings Kangwa’s move to Panithaniakos FC from Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
He is also set to become the latest Zambian to play in Portugal’s top flight since Collins Mbesuma featured in the division.
Chipyoka spent the 2025-26 season with Hapoel Petah Tikva in Israel’s top division, having previously played a season in the second tier with Sektzia Nes Tziona.
The midfielder began his career in Zambia, featuring for Zesco United, Lusaka Dynamos and Shamuel FC, while also representing the country at youth and senior international level.
Following the completion of his move, Chipyoka expressed his appreciation to those who supported his development during his time in Israel.
He specifically thanked his agent Nir Karin, Hapoel Petah Tikva chief executive Tim Plotkin, coach Omer Peretz and the club’s supporters.
“I am very grateful to everyone at Petah Tikva who supported me during my time at the club,” Chipyoka said.
The player’s representative, Karin, said he was proud of the progress Chipyoka had made and believes the move to Portugal is another step in what could be an even bigger career.
“I am very proud of Songa and the tremendous progress he has made. I have no doubt that this is another important step for him and certainly not the last,” Karin said.
Chipyoka could make his Moreirense debut on 9 September, when the Portuguese side are scheduled to face Benfica.
The move caps a rapid rise for the Zambian, who only two seasons ago was playing in Israel’s second tier before establishing himself in the country’s top flight.
His five-year contract with Moreirense marks a new chapter in his European career and gives the winger an opportunity to test himself against some of Portugal’s biggest clubs.
