Zambian Lecce Winger Lamak Banda Disappears Amid Contract Dispute and Saudi Interest

Lamak Banda, a 25-year-old Zambian winger for Italian club Lecce, has been missing for two weeks after failing to show up for the start of preseason training. Banda was a key player in Lecce's survival campaign last season, which also featured Israeli player Omri Gandelman. His contract expired in June but included a unilateral extension option until summer 2027, which Lecce activated after negotiations for a new deal failed. The club is unaware of Banda's whereabouts or when he intends to return.

The situation began when all players reported for medical tests ahead of the new season except Banda. His representatives cited passport and bureaucratic issues, but Banda posted and quickly deleted a video on Instagram showing him playing football with friends on a dirt field, raising suspicions. Reports indicate Saudi club Al-Fateh has offered Banda a lucrative multi-year contract, but Lecce rejected their low transfer offer. Lecce stated they were open to negotiations if Banda wished to leave.

Banda joined Lecce from Israeli club Maccabi Petah Tikva in 2022 for 1.8 million euros. On July 23, he was seen at Lusaka airport in Zambia, apparently returning to Italy, but has since gone silent and missed the team's training camp in Austria. Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani condemned Banda's approach and said the club is considering disciplinary measures to protect its rights.

Meanwhile, Banda's wife, Avi Chato, who married him on June 13 and was last seen with him at the airport, continues to post Instagram photos from luxury hotels, offering no clues to his location. Lecce remains puzzled and concerned about Banda's disappearance.