Former Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga has tragically passed away after short illness, according to reports in Zambia.

Shonga spent three seasons with the Soweto giants, scoring 19 goals in 74 appearances across all competitions. He joined Pirates in the 2017/18 season before departing for Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, who acquired the Bidvest Wits PSL status.

Shonga will be fondly remembered for his spectacular goals with Pirates. A highlight was his thunderous strike against Chippa United in February 2018 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, using the outside of his foot in their 4-2 victory. This wonder goal earned him the PSL Goal of the Month award.

Another significant contribution came in the following season’s Carling Black Label Cup semi-final against Kaizer Chiefs at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium. Shonga rose to the occasion, scoring in Milutin Sredojevic’s side’s 2-1 win.

Unfortunately, Shonga and Pirates fell short in the Telkom Knockout final against Baroka FC, losing on penalties at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Shonga was one of the players who missed his penalty, along with Thembinkosi Lorch, as Pirates fell 3-2.

Shonga’s South African career also included stints with Marumo Gallants, Cape Town City, and Sekhukhune United, the latter after a short spell with Ismaily in Egypt. In 2023, he had a brief stint with FC Gagra in Georgia and then switched to Saudi Arabian side Najran FC in January this year on a short-term deal.

On the international stage, Shonga was part of the Zambian team that won the COSAFA Cup in South Africa in 2017.