He is known as Captain of Napsa Stars Football Club and one of the hardworking players the Club has ever signed, but what others do not know is his life away from the pitch.
Captain Dickson Chapa who is well known to represent his team-mates very well to both the executive and the fans, is also a clinical officer who practices when he is away from the pitch.
Chapa explained to Napsa Stars FC Media that he started his football career after he completed his studies at Chainama College where he spent three years to become a Clinical Officer.
The player explains that he has always had passion for football but his father advised him to first obtain a school qualification before venturing fully into football.
He explains that the decision by his father upset him at that time, but adds that he is also thankful to his father because he can always go back to the hospital if he is not playing football.
“I was upset at first but I knew I would always become a footballer because I feel that is my calling too. I love football and immediately I completed my studies, I started playing”, Chapa said.
The player says he was posted to work in Sesheki as a Clinical Officer when he completed his studies, but it was at the same time that Napsa Stars FC engaged him to join the team and he opted to play football.
He has been volunteering at a private hospital in Lusaka on days that he is not playing football.
“I always ensure that I practice because I do not want to forget what I went to school for, so when I am free I volunteer at a private clinic here in Lusaka,” Chapa adds
Chapa who played for Konkola Mine Police and Konkola Blades before joining Napsa Stars FC says playing for Napsa Stars has been one of the best things to him, adding that he is who he is today because of the club.
The player also shares with the media team how he has been a keen follower of Zinedine Zidane from childhood, adding that it is because of him that he grow up to love the game.
“If I could, I would start wearing his jersey number when he was a player because I really loved his work and I love him as a coach too, but my current jersey number ‘8’ also has a lot behind it and that is why I picked on it,” Chapa said.
Chapa plays as a defensive midfielder and he explains that he gains more confidence in each game because he is also a workaholic.
The player who is one of the few at the club that have managed to play almost all the matches, adds on to say that he one day hopes to be featured in the national team.
Chapa in the 2019/2020 season only missed one match which was played against Buildcon FC, after bagging two yellow cards in the previous game played against Nkwazi FC.
“I believe hard work will take anyone anywhere, and this is why I believe one day I will be recognised to play for the country. It’s all about time and just like any other player, I also wish to be called to represent the country,” The player adds.
The player has scored one vital goal this season when the team was trailing against Green Eagles FC in Choma. In the same match, Danny Silavwe scored a second to give Napsa a 2-1 win over Eagles.
And in his last words, the player has advised young people to go to school if they have the chance, saying one can never go wrong with an education.