Zambia: Happy Nsiku’s interest was to become a clay artist. Despite his military father’s desire for him to follow in his footsteps, Happy never expected to pursue a career in football, as he initially lacked interest in the sport.
He enjoyed designing objects with clay as a child but stopped after being introduced to a different interest by a friend – Football. However, his father, Tanansi Nsiku, stressed the importance of focusing on School in order to become a soldier but this caused discomfort for the young boy.
Because of this, Happy was forced to move to his Aunt’s house to have more freedom from being confined in his room studying. While staying with his Aunt, he joined Apollo Football Club and developed a stronger interest in the game. Coach Saibu’s support reinforced the idea that playing football was a better use of his time than playing with clay designs.
Meanwhile pressure from his father continued that saw the protagonist reluctantly complete grade seven. He was sent to a boarding school to distance himself from football. However, while at the boarding School (Namalombwe Secondary), he shifted his focus to athletics in an attempt to avoid the conflicts football caused with his father.
Although his involvement in these activities caused him to miss the mock exams, he still passed his final grade nine exams and received acceptance to Arrakan Boys Secondary Schoolin Lusaka. Sadly, his parents’ attempt to find him a boarding school this time was unsuccessful.
He spent one year at Arrakan before returning to Lusaka West, where he continued his schooling and joined and played football for Apollo FC.
During a pre-season community tournament, Apollo FC reached the final and Happy and two teammates were noticed by Coach Mulenga and invited to join Young Green Buffaloes FC. However, soon after a few stints, Happy quit training with YGBFC due to conflicts between training and school schedules, as well as the distance between Lusaka West and Arrakan where the team trained.
Happy continued to focus on School but was recruited by a team called MC Galaxy and eventually became the captain of the team from 2019 to 2021. His impressive and super style of play attracted the attention of his Coach, who invited the U17 National team Coach to observe him. However, due to similarities in playing style with another player, he was not immediately given an opportunity but was promised to be considered in future selections.
Happy’s father became concerned about how football was interfering with his son’s education. Happy was forced to put his football training on hold until he completed his education and obtained a full certificate. He only resumed playing football after completing Grade 12. His obedience to his father ultimately paid off when he received a call-up to the national U20 football team after finishing School while playing at Galaxy.
Later, he moved to the City of Lusaka to try, under the guidance of Coach Albert Pande but Arrows were given some tip that a gem in the making was up for grabs. Red Arrows quickly moved in and assessed the lad and later gave him the platform and pathway to joining the national team that was participating in the COSAFA Tournament at the time.
Happy went on to be a key starter in all six games of the 2021 COSAFA U20 tournament. Zambia would go on to emerge as the champions of the tournament, and Happy undoubtedly played a huge part. He was promoted to the U23 national team in recognition of his quality.
Happy also recalls his experience of playing in the Zambian top league, specifically during a tournament against Green Eagles at Nkoloma stadium in 2021 as his first match for Red Arrows, describing it as high intensity and tactical.
He praises the team spirit and unity of Red Arrows, which aligns with the sentiments expressed by other players.
He highlights his camaraderie with fellow player Nickson Mubili, who acts as a supportive brother figure and shares the same centre-back position. He also talks highly of George Simbayambaya, who he said helped him improve their defensive skills. Other stars that he admires include Isaac Shamujopa of Zanaco, Presnel Kipembe of France and PSG.
He expresses his aspirations and is confident of playing for the senior national team and Barcelona in Europe in the very near future.
The ambitious young defender, was born on 1 March, 2005.
Talking about his ever-smartness and tight tucking in during the 90 minutes when he is playing, he says that is a sign of seriousness in the match.
Going forward, he wants to venture into the real estate business and make it his business outside football.
He is currently under a permanent contract with Red Arrows Football Club.
Happy! from Arrows, we are so proud of you. You are not only the present as well as the future of Red Arrows but the next kingpin of the Zambian game. Push and we are here to fly with you.