Nathan Sinkala
Nathan Sinkala | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 22, 1990 Chingola, Zambia |
| Occupation | Professional footballer |
| Years active | 2008–2024 |
| Known for | Defensive midfielder for ZESCO United and Zambia national team |
Nathan Sinkala (born 22 November 1990) is a professional footballer from Zambia who last played as a defensive midfielder for ZESCO United. Between 2011 and 2021, he earned 52 caps for the Zambian national team, scoring three goals.
Green Buffaloes
Originating from Chingola, Sinkala started his professional journey in 2008 with Green Buffaloes. In 2009, he experienced a loan period in Israel at Hapoel Kiryat Shmona, where he featured for their reserve squad. During his time at Green Buffaloes, he netted three league goals in the 2009 season and added two more in 2010. He also contributed to winning the Zambian Charity Shield in 2010.
TP Mazembe and loans
Following the conclusion of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, Sinkala secured a three-year deal with TP Mazembe. On 8 January 2014, he joined French Ligue 1 outfit FC Sochaux-Montbéliard on loan, expressing interest in remaining beyond the loan term. Later, on 7 July 2014, he was loaned out once again by Mazembe, this time to Swiss Super League club Grasshopper Club Zürich.
Stellenbosch
In January 2020, Sinkala made a move to Stellenbosch.
Zambia
Reports in December 2022 indicated Sinkala had signed a six-month contract with Israeli side SC Kfar Kasem, but he returned to Zambia shortly thereafter to join ZESCO United in January 2023. His stint with ZESCO United concluded with his release in July 2024.
International career
Sinkala made his international debut for Zambia in 2011 and was part of the squad at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. He was also selected for Zambia’s 23-man roster at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
In October 2013, a conflict between TP Mazembe and the Zambian Football Association over national team call-ups resulted in arrest warrants being issued for Sinkala and fellow players (Rainford Kalaba and Stoppila Sunzu). Their passports were seized during this dispute before they ultimately received pardons from the Zambian government.
Sinkala was named in Zambia’s preliminary squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in December 2014 but suffered an injury during the opening match that ruled him out of the tournament.
Personal life
He is the younger sibling of fellow footballer Andrew Sinkala.
Career statistics
- The score column reflects Zambia's tally first; score indicates result following each goal by Sinkala.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 September 2013 | Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi, Ghana | Template:Fb | 1–2 | 1–2 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF second round |
| 2 | 6 June 2014 | Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, United States | Template:Fb | 2–0 | 3–4 | Friendly |
| 3 | 27 May 2015 | Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Phokeng, South Africa | Template:Fb | 3–0 | 3–0 | 2015 COSAFA Cup |