Former African footballer in critical condition after motorbike accident in Vietnam

Tshamala Kanbanga is treated at Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, after the severe accident on Nov. 15, 2024. Photo by Facebook/Nguyen Minh Chau

On Nov. 15, Kanbanga, on his way home from work in Long An that borders Ho Chi Minh City, was targeted by a thief who snatched his bag. In an attempt to chase the robber, Kanbanga lost control of his motorbike and crashed into an electric pole. He sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to Cho Ray Hospital in HCMC, where emergency surgery was performed to stabilize his condition, Thanh Nien Newspaper reported.

Despite the surgery, he remains in critical condition, requiring intensive care, blood transfusion and life support that costs approximately VND25 million (US$1,000) per day.

Since retiring from professional football, Kanbanga has taken on various jobs, including construction work and coaching community football, but his earnings have been insufficient to prepare for unforeseen circumstances like this.

Tshamala Kanbanga in a photo on his Facebook page.

The Long An FC fan club and former Long An players, including Phan Van Tai Em, Nguyen Tuan Phong and Nguyen Minh Chau, have launched a campaign on social media to raise funds to support Kanbanga and his family.

Born in 1984 in Congo, Kanbanga was a prominent foreign striker in the V. League. During his tenure with Long An FC from 2004 to 2012, including a loan spell with Quang Nam FC, he won a V. League title and a Super Cup.

He struggled with injuries in 2021, leading to a loss of form and the termination of his contract with Long An. After unsuccessful attempts to secure a spot with smaller Vietnamese clubs, he moved to Laos to continue his football career. However, due to unpaid wages from his agent there, he ultimately returned to Vietnam, Ngoi Sao reported.