Rumours about the death of former Zambian international Rainford Kalaba have been circulating on social media, but those claims are false: Kalaba is alive and is married, although the identity of his wife has not been made public.
The 37-year-old was seriously injured in a crash on Saturday, April 13, 2024, while driving an unregistered Mercedes Benz. The incident also involved Charlene Mkandawire, who is also known as Charlene Divine M. Mkandawire.
According to Zambia Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga, the collision happened when Mkandawire attempted to overtake another vehicle and the cars struck a Howo truck head-on on a busy highway, a crash that has devastated both families and the local community. Charlene died at the scene, while Kalaba was taken to the University Teaching Hospital and is now showing signs of recovery in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Rainford Kalaba’s Wife Identified
Rainford Kalaba, the former Zambian captain, is married to Saviour Musonda. Although the pair have kept their private life largely out of the public eye, they are reported to have been together for many years.
Saviour occasionally accompanies him at public events, drawing attention from both fans and the press.
Following a recent accident, there were rumors suggesting Rainford was involved with another woman who died in the incident. Those reports are incorrect: the deceased woman, Charlene, was married to another footballer, Boyd Mkandawire, at the time of her death.
Does He Have Children?
Rainford Kalaba, who once captained Zambia, is recognized not only for his football career but also as a family man. His social media presence indicates that he and his wife, Saviour, are parents to a daughter.
In a rarely shared Instagram post from November 2014, Kalaba uploaded a heartfelt photo of his young daughter, offering a brief, warm glimpse into their relationship.
A Radiant Career Forged on the Football Field
Rainford Kalaba was born on August 14, 1986, in Kitwe, Zambia. He broke into the professional ranks with Afrisports Kitwe United in 2005, finishing that spell with 19 goals from 26 appearances.
He later had spells with Nice B and ZESCO United before in 2008 agreeing to a five-year contract with Primeira Liga side Braga. While under Braga’s umbrella he spent time on loan at Gil Vicente and Leiria, gaining valuable experience in European competition.
In 2011 Kalaba signed for TP Mazembe, where he became a mainstay through 2023, tallying 78 goals across 280 matches for the club.
On the international stage Rainford has surpassed 100 caps for Zambia. His career has not been without controversy: a 2013 dispute over international duty led to legal action that was eventually settled by the Zambian government. Despite his long service, he was left out of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
Related: What is Rainford Kalaba’s Net Worth?
