Kingz Kangva, once part of Tula Arsenal and now roving with Serbian powerhouse Red Star, looks back at his Russia days with a clear voice remembered through Sport Express. He recalls a career chapter filled with learning, growth, and the grind that shaped him as a player. Those years in Russia left a mark, and the midfielder speaks with a mix of nostalgia and professional pride as he reflects on the path that led him to a top European club. The memories aren’t merely about matches; they’re about the daily routines, the teammates, and the culture that helped him mature on the field and off it.
“Since I switched to another club, Russia keeps calling me back. I left Arsenal while surrounded by good people and strong teams. I knew I needed to push myself, to develop further, and to hope for new challenges. Looking back, it feels like the best decision I could have made. The Russian championship is incredibly competitive, with several clubs that can dominate any given match. In my view, the level in Russia is high, and the depth of talent there is impressive”, Kangva stated. His assessment underscores a belief that the league’s quality and the environment for growth were pivotal during his time in the country, even as he embraced new opportunities abroad.
Kangva wore Arsenal Tula colors from 2019 to 2022, an era that also saw him contribute to the Zambia national team on the international stage. Those seasons connected his club career with his national duties, giving him experience against diverse playing styles and opponents. The commitment to both club and country demonstrates a sustained level of performance that supported his advancement and visibility across leagues.
In a notable family connection, Kangva’s elder brother Evans shared the Tula squad with him for a period, continuing to perform in Russia today. The siblings’ time together at Arsenal Tula added a personal dimension to the club’s dressing room, linking two players who learned and grew side by side. Their shared journey in Russian football highlights a familial bond that bridged generations and careers within the same club system.
May 2022 marked a significant step in Kangva’s career as he joined Red Star, signing a four-year contract that tied his future to one of Europe’s storied clubs. The move signaled a new chapter, offering different pressures, expectations, and opportunities to compete for titles in a league with a strong track record of development and exposure for players stepping into larger stages.
The Russian Premier League season concluded on June 3, with Zenit claiming the championship. The team finished with a decisive 12-point lead over the runner-up, CSKA Moscow, while Spartak Moscow completed the top three. The championship’s conclusion reflected Zenit’s consistency and depth across the campaign, underscoring the high level of competition within the league and the capacity of its leading clubs to sustain performance through a full domestic calendar.
Remarkably, the first weeks at Zenit for the newest squad members presented a demanding adjustment period. Players arriving from different leagues often face a steep learning curve in terms of tactical expectations, training tempo, and integration with teammates. This early phase is a common experience for new acquisitions, and it often serves as a litmus test for a player’s readiness to contribute when it matters most in a demanding season.