What Really Happened To Justin Shonga: FULL STORY | Former Orlando Pirates Striker

Once hailed as one of the most promising young forwards in African football, Justin Shonga’s career has taken a series of dramatic turns that left fans wondering: what really happened to the former Orlando Pirates striker? From explosive performances in the PSL to a puzzling drop from the spotlight, this is the full story behind the rise, fall, and ongoing journey of the Zambian international.

Justin Shonga burst onto the South African football scene in 2017 when he signed with Orlando Pirates.

At the time, he was only 21 years old but already looked like a future star.

Fast, agile, and capable of scoring spectacular goals, Shonga quickly earned the trust of fans and coaches alike.

He played with flair, showed versatility across the frontline, and developed a reputation for being a big-game player.

During his first season at Pirates, Shonga made a strong impression, scoring important goals and assisting in crucial matches.

His partnership with Thembinkosi Lorch showed great promise, and many believed he would go on to become one of the club’s most lethal forwards.

His performances also earned him regular call-ups to the Zambian national team, where he continued to shine on the continental stage.

But just as his career seemed to be taking off, cracks began to show.

By his second season at Orlando Pirates, Shonga’s form started to dip.

His goal tally decreased, and questions began to emerge about his consistency and attitude during training.

Some reports suggested that off-field distractions were affecting his performance, while others hinted at friction between the player and coaching staff.

Although he remained part of the squad, he was no longer a guaranteed starter.

As competition for attacking positions grew fiercer, Shonga found himself sliding down the pecking order.

New arrivals at the club meant less game time, and with every missed opportunity, his confidence seemed to suffer.

By 2020, it became clear that he was no longer part of the long-term vision at Orlando Pirates.

In October 2020, Justin Shonga left the Buccaneers and joined Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM).

Many viewed this move as a step down, but Shonga took the chance to revive his career.

Unfortunately, it didn’t go as planned.

TTM was going through financial instability and internal issues, and the environment proved difficult for players to thrive in.

Shonga’s stay there was short-lived and marked by frustration.

He then moved to Cape Town City FC, a club with a more stable structure and a reputation for giving players a second chance.

While he showed glimpses of his old self, including scoring a few vital goals, he never quite reached the level expected of him.

Inconsistency remained a problem, and within a year, he parted ways with the club.

Shonga’s journey then took him abroad, with stints in Egypt and further opportunities in lower-tier leagues.

These moves, while ambitious, didn’t bring the career revival he was hoping for.

Language barriers, cultural adjustments, and tactical differences seemed to hinder his ability to settle.

With every new club, expectations followed him, but so did pressure—and eventually, disappointment.

By 2023, Shonga had become somewhat of a forgotten name in the PSL.

While he was still active, bouncing between clubs and countries, he no longer had the spotlight or the acclaim he once enjoyed.

Interviews with former coaches and teammates paint a picture of a talented player who perhaps lacked the discipline and consistency to fulfill his potential fully.

However, the story doesn’t end there.

Sources close to the player have recently revealed that Shonga has been working quietly behind the scenes to rebuild his career.

He’s reportedly focusing on fitness, hiring a personal trainer, and even working with a mental coach to help regain his confidence.

His goal is to return to top-flight football—not just to play, but to prove that he still has something to offer.

In a rare interview earlier this year, Shonga admitted to past mistakes.

“I think I lost focus at times,” he said.

“I thought talent alone would carry me, but I learned that professionalism and hard work matter just as much.

I’ve had ups and downs, but I’m not done yet.

Fans who remember his time at Orlando Pirates are divided.

Some believe he deserves another chance in the PSL, while others remain skeptical.

But there’s no denying that Shonga once had the ingredients of a great striker—speed, skill, and a natural eye for goal.

Whether he can recapture that spark remains to be seen.

As of now, Justin Shonga is reportedly training with a club in Zambia while entertaining interest from other African leagues.

There have also been rumors of a possible return to the PSL, with a few clubs considering offering him a short-term contract.

While nothing is confirmed, the football community is watching closely.

Justin Shonga’s story is a cautionary tale—but also one of hope.

It shows how quickly a football career can rise and fall, but also how redemption is possible with the right mindset and support.

At 27, he still has time on his side.

What he does with that time will determine whether he remains a “what could have been” or becomes a comeback story worth remembering.

For now, fans will remember the flashes of brilliance, the goals that lit up stadiums, and the promise he once showed in a Pirates jersey.

Whether we’ll see that version of Justin Shonga again depends on one person alone—Justin himself.