PSL fastest hat-trick scorer retires at 45 after incredible 25-year career

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One of the most iconic players ever seen in the PSL is set to call time on his illustrious career that has seen him play for 25 years.

James Chamanga, the Zambian striker, who made history in the PSL, is set to retire on Saturday May 17, hanging up his boots with a testimonial match back home in Zambia where he has been playing for Red Arrows.

Chamanga, now 45, has looked ever-green despite his advanced age, and won the Golden Boot award in the Zambian top flight in the 2019-20 season aged 40 when he scored 16 goals for Red Arrows.

His 25-year career has seen him play in Zambia, South Africa and China and PSL fans remember him for his stints at Bush Bucks, SuperSport United and Moroka Swallows.

Chamanga made history in the PSL

James Chamanga playing for Red Arrows of Zambia

His first stint out of Zambia was in South Africa, joining Bush Bucks in 2005, but following their relegation in 2006, he joined SuperSport where he became the top scorer in the 2006-07 season.

Chamanga would join Swallows in 2007 and it is here where he made PSL history. On December 9, 2007, he scored a record-breaking five goals for Swallows in a 6-2 league win against Platinum Stars, including a hat-trick between the 20th and the 24th minute.

That four-minute hat-trick is a record that still stands as it remains the quickest three goals ever scored by a single player in South African football.

Where else did the Zambian play?

James Chamanga celebrates a goal for Zambia. Photo – Imago

In April 2008, Chamanga moved to Chinese Super League side Dalian Shide, where he spent four years, before a five-year spell at Liaoning after which he returned home to join Red Arrows in 2019.

At Red Arrows, Chamanga who also played for Zambian clubs Makumbi Stars, City of Lusaka, National Assembly and Zanaco (loan), has won two league titles and a cup.

Chamanga was also part of the Zambian team that won the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring the third goal as the Chipolopolo thrashed Sudan 3-0 in the quarter-final, to seal their place in the semi-final. 

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.