Update: Rainford Kalaba, Former TP Mazembe Player, in Induced Coma But Not Deceased

According to an update from the DR Congo football club, TP Mazembe, one of its standout former players, Rainford Kalaba, isn’t dead as reported early on Saturday, April 13 but rather has been placed in an artificial coma.

The long-serving Mazembe player whose time at the club ended in 2023, was pronounced dead by emergency service workers after sustaining significant injuries in a head-on collision car accident with a heavy truck.

However, TP Mazembe has clarified the news stating in a release that the Zambia football legend has been placed in an artificial coma by doctors and is in critical condition.

This update on Kalaba’s “critical condition” was buttressed by statements from African sports journalist Osasu Obayiuwana and Zambia-based Kennedy Gondwe. Kalaba is a CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, and CAF Super Cup winner with Mazembe and won the 2012 AFCON in stunning fashion with Zambia in Gabon.