Former Maccabi Netanya Player Lamka Benda Disappears, Misses Lecce Training for 18 Days

Lamka Benda, a Zambian footballer formerly with Maccabi Netanya and Maccabi Petah Tikva, has been missing for 18 days and has not reported to training with his current Italian Serie A club, Lecce. Benda was expected to join Lecce's preseason training starting July 12 but has not been in contact with his club, agents, teammates, or family since then. The last confirmed sighting of Benda was on July 23 at Lusaka Airport in Zambia, captured on security cameras.

Benda recently married in late June, and his new wife unfollowed him on Instagram, fueling speculation that personal issues may be involved. There is also speculation that Benda might be trying to pressure Lecce to release him, possibly due to interest from Saudi club Al-Fateh. However, uncertainty continues to grow as no official explanation has emerged.

Benda had a strong previous season with Lecce, scoring five goals and assisting four, helping the club avoid relegation. Lecce extended his contract until 2027 to prevent losing him without compensation. Before moving to Italy, Benda played two seasons in Israel, scoring 2 goals in 25 league appearances for Maccabi Netanya and then 8 goals in 33 appearances for Maccabi Petah Tikva. He was sold to Lecce for approximately 2 million euros after his time in Israel.

The football community in Italy is closely watching the situation as Lecce prepares for the new season without their key player, whose whereabouts and intentions remain unknown.