Zambia star Patrick Gondwe leaves today for a week-long trial at Spanish second-tier side CD Numancia, where he hopes to seal a life-changing move to LaLiga in the coming weeks.

The 17-year-old scored the opportunity after he was named Player of the Tournament at the COSAFA Under-20 Championships that were held in Lusaka in December 2019.

His Zambia Super League club, Nkana FC, have agreed to his release for the trial, where he will test his skills against some of the brightest young talents in Spain.

“This is an amazing life-changing opportunity for me and I am determined to make the most of it,” Gondwe says. “It is an incredible feeling to know that I will have the chance to show my qualities in Spain and hopefully win a move to one of the best football countries in the world.

“I know I will have to work hard and give my best, but that is something I am ready to do.

“I must also extend my thanks to COSAFA, LaLiga and my club, Nkana, who have allowed me to follow my dream and take up this opportunity. I will forever be grateful to all three.”

Gondwe walked away with the Young Sportsman of the Year prize at the National Sports Council of Zambia Awards, another nod to his huge potential.

The opportunity for the trial has been facilitated by COSAFA partner LaLiga and is in line with COSAFA’s mandate to help develop football in Southern Africa – and create opportunity for players, coaches and match officials.

“We are extremely proud to be sending Peter Gondwe for his trial at Numancia and wish him all the best. I know he will represent Zambia and COSAFA with distinction,” said Dr Phillip Chiyangwa, President COSAFA.

“We must thank our valued partners LaLiga for creating this opportunity. The commitment they have shown to our region has been fantastic and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship that will help to create many more opportunities for players in the years to come.

“Peter was the outstanding player at the 2019 COSAFA Under-20 Championships and fully deserves his chance. He is one of the rising stars of Zambian football and a move to Spain at will no doubt set him on the path to a stellar career.”

“Numancia’s first team has been graced by previous African stars such as current RCD Mallorca striker Lago Junior from Ivory Coast, and former Cameroon midfielder Daniel Komé, who played for during the 2000/01 season.

The team has also been trained by great Spanish coaches like Miguel Angel Lotina and Andoni Goikoetxea. They are currently competing in the prestigious LaLiga Smartbank, Spain’s second division, second only to the exalted LaLiga Santander.

Gondwe’s trial will run until February 3, after which he will return to Nkana and wait to hear the feedback from Numancia.