Lecce striker Lameck Banda missing since July, club alarmed

Published Jul 30, 10:28 AM UTC

Lameck Banda, a 25-year-old Zambian striker for Serie A club Lecce, has been missing since mid-July 2024. He failed to report for preseason training on July 12 after returning to Zambia for his wedding. Initially citing logistical delays, Banda has since given no sign of life to his club, agents, or family. Lecce's sporting director Stefano Trinchera and president Saverio Sticchi Damiani have expressed growing concern, stating the situation is unprecedented in their experience. The club initially suspected a standoff to force a transfer to Saudi club Al-Fateh, but that club has reportedly moved on to other targets. The only confirmed detail is that Banda remains in Zambia, though this is unverified. The player has 22 caps for Zambia and has been with Lecce since 2022, scoring 9 goals in 109 appearances.

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