From a Hated Figure to a National Treasure: Patson Daka’s History

About 12 weeks and 5 days after the Korea-Japan FIFA World Cup, Josephine Daka and her late husband, Nathtali, welcomed their son, Patson Daka. Little did they know that this baby would grow up to become a beloved figure in his country, transforming from one of the most disliked to one of the most cherished footballers in his homeland.

Patson Daka was born into a modest footballing family. His father, Nathtali, was an ex-footballer who managed to provide for his family with a decent income from the sport. Tragically, Nathtali passed away when Patson and his siblings were still young, leaving a significant void in their lives. Nathtali’s death occurred at a time when Patson needed his father the most, but it also ignited a deep-seated determination in the young player.

Fueled by the desire to fulfil his late father’s unfulfilled football dreams, Patson Daka channelled his grief into relentless ambition. This football article delves into the remarkable journey of how Patson evolved from being misunderstood to becoming a celebrated hero in his country, capturing the essence of his inspiring transformation. Now, let’s dive into the heart of Patson Daka’s story.

Preamble:

Our biography of Patson Daka goes beyond just his career statistics. It explores his childhood, early life, and family background, including details about his parents, Nathtali and Josephine, as well as his love story with his girlfriend, Grace Chilufya. We’ll also delve into his siblings, lifestyle and personal life.

We’ll take you through Patson’s journey from his early days to his rise in the world of football. To give you a deeper insight into his life and career, we present a gallery showcasing his path from childhood to success. Enjoy a detailed look at Patson Daka’s life and footballing achievements.

You and I both know about Patson Daka’s impressive speed and agility. His acceleration can be devastating over short distances as he gracefully and swiftly outpaces defenders with his long strides. Despite his achievements, many football fans haven’t had the chance to read a detailed account of his biography. That’s why we’ve put together this piece for you. So, without further delay, let’s dive in.

Patson Daka Childhood Story:

For Biography enthusiasts, he bears the nickname – Papa. Patson Daka was born on the 9th day of October 1998 to his Father, Nathtali Daka, and Mother, Josephine Daka, in Kafue, a town in the Lusaka Province of Zambia, southern Africa.

The Zambian soccer prodigy came to the world as one among many children born of the union between his parents. Ideally, Daka’s life begins with waking up every day and falling in love with this woman below. She is no other than his Mum, Josephine.

Growing Up Days:

Early Childhood was a “critical period” for him as it had several events that determined his destiny. Back in the day, Patson Daka was the sort of child who was very focused and strong by nature.

Pictured below is a case study. He was just a unique boy, one who hardly mingles but finds it easy to fly off his school shirt – in readiness for after-school football.

As a child, the boy was condemned to love football — precisely Liverpool. In fact, one of Patson Daka’s parents (his Dad) was a big fan of the Barclays Premier League. Thankfully, it was Dad, Nathtali, who convinced his son to love Liverpool.

Back then, the England powerhouse had big stars of African origin, such as; Rigobert Song, El Hadji Diouf, and Djibril Cissé.  These men became big motivators for Patson, his Dad (Nathatali), and many African soccer lovers.

Patson Daka Family Background:

According to Research from his homeland, his household falls under the middle class. We based this on Zambian’s socio-economic hierarchy for her middle-income population.

What’s more, the Speedstar also comes from a Footballing family. Patson Daka’s father, Nathtali, was an ex-footballer who kept his family going with a decent income from the game.

Sadly, the poor Dad died when his children (including Patson) were young. In fact, Nathtali’s death came at a time when his precious son needed him the most.

Cause of Father’s Death:

While growing up in Kafue (a Zambian town), Patson Daka tragically lost his Dad. This unfortunate family loss came after the man had a fatal accident.

Before his death, Nathtali played for Nitrogen Stars. This is a local football club located in his family’s hometown of Kafue.

Truth be told, the passing of Patson Daka’s Dad left a void that can never be filled.

To date, the Zambian professional footballer owes everything to his Mum. She is a woman who strived to pilot the fairs of his family following her husband’s death.

Pictured below, Josephine Daka took on the role of both parents (Dad and Mum) of her children.

Super Mum Josephine is loved for who she is, and for everything that makes up her. In fact, this is what Mummy’s birthday means for Patson Daka’s family.

Patson Daka Family Origin:

It is confirmed that the Leicester City forward holds a Zambian nationality. Digging down into his ancestral roots, Patson Daka’s family have their origin in Kafue, a town in the Lusaka Province of Zambia.

Aside from its beautiful industrial estate, Kafue is famous for being the home of Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia, where agricultural fertilizers are made.

Again, where Patson Daka’s parents lived (their hometown – Kafue) is 49.8 kilometres from Lusaka (Zambia’s capital).

As recalled earlier, Patson Daka’s Father, before his death, played football with Nitrogen Stars of Kafue. This local club is owned by Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia Limited.

Patson Daka Ethnicity:

The lingua franca of Kafue, where the footballer grew up, belongs to the urban variant of the Nyanja (Chewa) language. This lingua is used to communicate even between speakers of other languages in Zambia.

According to research, Patson Daka’s parents belong to Zambia’s Bemba ethnicity. This is the country’s major indigenous language, which also functions as a lingua franca.

In fact, around 21% of Zambians speak Bemba, followed by the Tonga language (13.6%).

Patson Daka Education:

Even though football was in his blood, the boy’s parents agreed to the idea of their son going to school at first.

Starting from age 7 to 14, Patson Daka (pictured below) attended primary education as recommended by the Zambian government.

Approaching his teenage years, the idea of abandoning schooling for academy football began to hit deep into the boy’s mind.

During that time, it was all about the quest to live his family’s dreams – as if he knew that his Dad’s death was coming.

Fulfilling the wish of his son, his late father (Nathtali Daka) took action. Let’s remind you, Patson’s Dad (as of then) was still a professional footballer.

Taking his son to a soccer school marked the beginning of the boy’s amazing career journey and foundation.

Patson Daka Biography – The Football Story:

Observing his retirement was near, Nathtali devised a plan that would see his son continue living his dreams. Patson Daka’s Dad guided his son while he was in the junior ranks at Kafue Celtic.

One blessed day, during an appointment at a live match, Nathatali spoke highly about his son to Lee Kawanu Kafue. This man is Kafue Celtics’ director of football. In Lee Kawanu’s words;

His father first introduced him to a league game when he was just 12 years old. I knew his dad well because he was a talented player in his own right.

Back then, his father proudly boasted about Patson, claiming that one day, I would be amazed by his son’s achievements. I smiled and dismissed it, thinking it was just the enthusiasm of a proud parent.

These are the words of Kafue Celtics director Lee Kawanu – a man who has made a revolution in Zambian football.

You can see the Football Chief here with Patson Daka – at the time, Nathtali’s (his Dad’s) prophecy had come to pass.

Before this picture, the Celtic Director never saw Daka for a while until a league game for Kafue FC, when the boy was aged 14. Upon observing his gameplay, the Director said;

I saw this sharp kid; very small and lean. He was shooting with his left foot and his right especially from outside the box.

That day, I asked his coach, ‘Who is this little kid?’ He said it was Late Nathtali’s son.

Immediately, I connected it to what the ex-footballer – his Dad – had told me years before.

Sadly, at that time, Patson Daka’s father had already passed away. That was a big loss for his poor son, a boy who looked up to his Dad for inspiration.

From that moment of remembrance, Kafue Celtics director, Lee Kawanu, took the position of the boy’s second Dad.

Road to Fame Story:

Thanks to a successful academy graduation, the youngster began featuring for Kafue Celtic’s first team at the age of 15. This was three years after he lost one of his parents.

A year later, Patson was loaned to Nchanga Rangers, a Zambian football club that is based in the country’s copper-mining region.

Thanks to a big career leap, the boy helped his team win the 2014 Zambia Super League and the club’s Young Player of the Year.

That earned Patson Daka another transfer via loan. This time, he went to Power Dynamos – a top club that plays in the Zambian Super League.

The Pressure from Dynamos FC Fans:

Truth be told, the boy never had a smooth early start with the club. This was because of the massive pressure from their home fans.

Power Dynamos FC was a ruthless club, whose fans take a no-nonsense approach to their failing players. Repeatedly, these harsh fans booed Patson Daka because the boy struggled to score.

You see these football fans?… they are not people many footballers joke with. Yes, they are fans, BUT they can finish off a poor-performing footballer when they unite and chant together.

The Rescue:

It took the efforts of Kafue Celtics director, Lee Kawanu to defend poor Patson, who, as of then, had begun playing for the country’s junior national team. Lee once said,

Despite being only young, Patson reached a point where the whole country was booing him.

I worked at the Zambian FA then, as an executive member.

Many people thought I was the one pushing the boy to the national junior team and I would then do that to the senior team.

Hatred for Patson, Extended:

Patson actually made his national team debut at the young age of 16 and a half. During that time, the Zambian coach played him in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier as a lone striker.

Sadly, Patson Daka never scored, and that made Zambian football fans get angrier and more frustrated with him. Their hatred for him increased, and it was indeed a trying time for the Striker.

At some point, Zambian football authorities felt they could lose him because the whole country was against Patson Daka. Miraculously, the boy’s coach kept picking him – all thanks to his hard work and unmatched humility.

Patson Daka Biography – The Success Story:

At Power Dynamos, he later shocked the fans by finishing as the league’s top scorer in the next season. At this point, the fans held their lips in deep shock.

Surprisingly, all those who hated and booed Patson Daka immediately apologized and asked for forgiveness. Patson Daka answered his critics – those fans who were hard on him by scoring goals.

In the snap of a finger, everything changed for the Daka. For many who knew him back home, it looked as if his late Dad has entered him.

The rawness in pace, speed, power, great attitude, and a real hunger to succeed befell all over Patson that year – 2016.

As a reward for his beautiful goals, Patson helped Power Dynamos win his first honour – the Charity Shield.

Every move Daka has made to help Power Dynamos win the shield surpassed the expectations of everyone.

The year 2016 also saw Patson Daka getting called by his country for a competition that finally opened his doors to Europe.

All thanks to his brilliance, the youngster helped Zambia win the 2016 COSAFA U20 Cup from its hosts – South Africa. As far as African youth football is concerned, that win was a massive boost for the country’s reputation.

To add to this victory, Patson Daka also won the award of the 2016 Zambia Super League Young player of the year. The award came from the Zambian football Authority.

The Frederic Kanoute – Patson Daka Partnership:

Observing he was gaining European attention, former Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, and Sevilla striker took Daka under his wings – as a manager.

This came after the boy helped Zambia lift the 2016 COSAFA U20 Cup. In fact, that tournament gave Fred the material to sell Patson to European clubs.

During this time, many top European clubs began to notice and chase him for his signature.

At first, it was the French sides – Lille and Lyon – that showed some interest. They sent their scouts to watch him and also met Patson Daka’s family for the approval of their son’s transfer.

Among these clubs, it was Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg that became more prepared to make a move for the Zambian star.

The Austrian club took Daka for six months and sent him to their nearby feeder club, FC Liefering (via loan), for further development.

The African U-20 World Cup Success:

In fact, the difference in Patson during the time he was at Liefering was so incredible.

Following an impressive performance with Power Dynamos, the youngster got called to represent his country at the African U-20 Cup of Nations.

Patson didn’t disappoint. He didn’t just help his country win the tournament. He bagged the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations Best Player and the Best XI award.

With this extra accolade, the Zambian youngster distinguished himself from the rest of his teammates.

Winning the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations gave Patson Daka that huge global recognition in both African and World Football.

To the joy of his parents, family members, relatives, and friends, the young Chipolopolo star defeated all those who stood his way to win the award of his dreams.

It’s no other than the prestigious 2017 CAF Youth Player of the Year award. They presented it with a 15,000 Kwacha gift from MTN – a football sponsor.

It was a dream come true for Patson to see Samuel Eto’o handing him the CAF Youth Player of the Year.

From that moment, he became glued to the belief that he would be the next Samuel Eto‘o of Africa.

Meeting a Brother from Africa:

At the time Daka came back from that tournament to Austria, everyone could see the difference; his physique, the way he played, etc.

Observing these attributes, Red Bull Salzburg was forced to recall Patson Daka from his loan with Liefering – their sister club.

Thankfully, after a tricky first six months alone in Europe, Daka welcomed a Zambian brother – his kindred who joined him from Africa.

His national team-mate and close friend Enock Mwepu got signed by Salzburg from Kafue Celtic in the summer of 2017.

Both are like family members born of the same parents. Reuniting at Salzburg was a dream come true and a special moment for them. Patson once spoke about their reunion, saying,

Back then, I remember we used to encourage each other about our hope which is to play in the Premier League.

This is just a stage in reaching our dreams. We agreed to become the next Samuel Eto’o and Yaya Toure.

That first season, everything was different for the boys – the food, the weather, and most importantly, the fact that they really missed their families.

Truly, it was hard, but Patson and Enock told themselves that they must adapt and never give up. In fact, vowed not to ever go back to Zambia for football except to visit their families.

Another motivating factor of their success was the tragic loss of one of their Zambia under-17 national youth teammate, Kalale.

He was left partially paralyzed by a bus accident and eventually died of pneumonia. Patson and Enock vowed to become successful – all for Kalale.

The European Glory:

First, the goals scored by the Zambian footballer helped RB Salzburg win the UEFA Youth League.

The next phase of Patson Daka’s success with the Austrian club came when he had a formidable partnership with the Norwegian Goal Machine – Erling Haaland. Their strike partnership produced lots of goals.

Around 2019, RB Salzburg agreed to a transfer deal to sell their most precious stars – the likes of Takumi Minamino (to Liverpool) and Erling Haaland (to Dortmund). Thankfully, Patson Daka adjusted to life without Haaland.

Realizing they had lost both stars, the Austrian club awarded new contracts to Patson Daka and two of his colleagues – Sékou Koïta and Enock Mwepu. Salzburg did that – out of fear – of losing their best stars.

The Goal Record:

With a new contract came more pressure to deliver the goods. Rather than crumble, Patson Daka went from strength to strength. Are you aware?… His scoring total (in two seasons) reached a whopping 61 goals.

With this performance, he gave Red Bull Salzburg something they would remember for decades. That is his third Austrian Cup and his fourth successive league title.

Asides from being the Austrian Bundesliga top scorer, Patson Daka also won the Austrian Bundesliga Player of the Season award – (2020-2021). His departure from the club paved the way for upcoming youngsters (the likes of Chukwubuike Adamu) to get first-team football.

Choosing between Liverpool or Leicester:

Having cemented his legacy in Austria, Patson Daka felt the time was right to face a bigger challenge. His beloved Liverpool was first to contact him – as a replacement for either Sadio Mane or Mohamed Salah as they near their contract expiry.

Despite his strong allegiance to the red half of Merseyside, Patson Daka decided to choose Brendan Rodgers Leicester city. The intelligent footballer disregarded the fact that his family supports Liverpool – also a club of his late Dad.

As regards defending his decision to choose Leicester, the Chipolopolo star told the media;

As much as I love Liverpool, I believe Leicester was the perfect choice for me.

We all know Brendan Rodgers is a good man-manager who loves to develop talent and building players.

Truly, with a coach like Brendan, there is no limit to what he would get out of Patson. This is evident in names like; Wesley Fofana, plus Nigerians – Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfried Ndidi. The latter are friends who will help him settle in his new home.

Optimism with Leicester:

With the likes of Patson Daka and Boubakary Soumare fulfilling their lifelong dream of reaching the Premier League, we are sure of one thing. That Leicester would become a better competitor for the top four UEFA Champions League places.

Without a doubt, this is indeed a fairytale end. That a man, once booed by his fans and considered the most hated footballer in Zambia, has now become a national treasure.

In fact, Patson Daka is very much loved – just like the way the people of Bangladesh love their very own Hamza Choudhury.

Again, Patson Daka is considered the top contender to compete with Jamie Vardy (for his attacking position). Very likely, he is the man who can force the England Legend into retirement – in no distant time.

When interviewed, some people said – their booing and hate for Patson Daka has made him who he is today. After careful thought, I choose to agree with that.

Hatred has indeed made Patson Daka stronger. The rest, as we say, of the Zambian footballer’s Biography is forever history.

Love Story – The Super Girlfriend Who deserve to Be Patson Daka’s Wife:

Happy is the footballer who conquers one of Europe’s League and then goes back to his African home (Zambia) to profess his love to a fellow countrywoman. This is the Love story of Patson Daka and Grace Chilufya. Behold the lovers.

Patson Daka’s girlfriend is a woman with beauty and brains. According to her Instagram Biography, she is a public health professional, fitness lover, and businesswoman. She is the owner of Grace Perez Fashions, a fashion and beauty store in Lusaka, Zambia.

Most importantly, Grace is a woman after God’s own heart. This is why Patson (who is very religious) loves her. It is also why his Mum (Josephine) and family members approve her to be his wife.

Professing his Love:

Patson and Grace have been together since the years he was a NOBODY in football. For this reason, the Zambian footballer never shies from acknowledging his wife to be – as that special person who brings so much joy to his heart.

On one of Grace’s birthdays, Patson made his fans understand how much he loves her. In what looked like a pre-wedding photo between them, Daka made these romantic words;

My Queen, You make my life worth living.

You always bring a smile to my face, and your touch shows me how much you love and care for me.

Forever, you will be my queen, friend, and my lover.

Is Patson Daka married?

Judging by this photo below (taken in 2018) – in what looks like wedding attire for the couples, some Zambian fans were of the view that they had tied the knot.

Nevertheless, one thing is sure for these two lovebirds. The fact that both lovers (Grace and Patson) are destined to be together.

Personal Life away from Football:

First and foremost, he is a good singer. If football had not worked out, Patson might have probably picked up a career in Gospel singing.

Outside of football, Daka easily balances his time between the sport and spending quality moments with his partner and family.

Patson sure knows how to capture the joys and the hilariousness of life with Grace – the super girlfriend who turned his wife.

Back in the days, whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a date night, OR just another normal Wednesday, Patson does go for dinners. He treats Grace to delicious and romantic meals. You see this guy? He is indeed the perfect husband material.

Lifestyle:

The Zambian has made some decent money in football. Below is a photo of what we regard as his humble beginnings. The days he rode what looked like a used 2003 Toyota Camry XLE car.

Becoming a Multi-Millionaire, Patson Daka now goes on private jets. Thou he is yet to own one like Paul Pogba and Neymar. We are not surprised to notice the fact that Patson read the book about Didier Drogba.

The Wildlife Vacation Lifestyle:

The Zambian Forward love to spend his monies on going to visit Lions. Patson and Grace prefer the African safari experience, unlike other continental wildlife destinations.

For these two, a proper vacation is not complete without having their favourite Lion Walk. While on a particular walk, Patson and Grace did the unthinkable – HOLDING THE LION’S TAIL.

Patson Daka Family Life:

For the Speedstar, his menace remains his test of freedom and his early heaven. Members of his household are people who know his flaws but still love him.

Not to forget, Patson Daka’s family was there for him when fans booed him. Here, we’ll tell you more about them.

About Patson Daka Mother:

We label her as the one who gave him life and now offers him advice and support (especially in the absence of his Dad). Also, lots of reasons to be successful.

Josephine Daka is a strong and intelligent woman who has sacrificed everything to show love for all her children. Thankfully, she now reaps the benefits of her labour – as observed below.

In the picture below, Josephine Daka could not hold her tears at the time her son bought her an SUV for a birthday gift. Upon showcasing to his fans what he bought for his Mum, Patson said the following;

Mum, you’re the reason I’m who I’m today. Your prayers and teachings have helped me become a better person . It made me reach this far in life.

I can not manage to repay you, but I will do my best to make sure you don’t regret having a son like me.

Josephine’s Early Car Gift:

This is not the first time Patson Daka’s Mum has enjoyed a car gift from her breadwinner son. In September of 2017, nine months after he moved to Austria, the Zambian footballer bought for his Mum a fairly used Toyota Axio car.

About Patson Daka Father:

Sadly, Nathtali Daka (of blessed memory), who pioneered his son’s career – is not around to enjoy his son’s success. Aside from laying the foundation of Patson’s career, Nathtali did genetically bless his son with speed.

Research has it that the late Dad of Patson Daka was a Speedy winger who enjoyed a good career with Nitrogen Stars in the Zambian league before his death. Unfortunately, Nathtali died not at old age but when he was still young.

About Patson Daka Siblings:

In a November 2015 image that reveals he is a Barca fan, the Zambian footballer revealed the identity of his sisters.

Following intensive research, we observe that there is little documentation as regards the existence of a brother. By implication, it is likely that Patson is the only son of his parents.

Also, he is already an uncle to the first of her sister’s children. Patson once showed Andrea to his fans – the lovely kid to his beloved sibling.

Patson Daka Untold Facts:

Having journeyed with us throughout his life story, we will use this concluding section to unveil more truths about the Pacey Striker. Without much ado, let’s begin.

Comparing Patson Daka’s Leicester City Salary to that of the Average Zambian Citizen:

According to Payscale, the ordinary citizen of Lusaka (Zambia’s capital) earns around ZMK 38,000 per year. Hence, it would take 41 years for the average Zambian citizen to make Patson Daka’s weekly salary with Leicester.

FIFA Profile:

In the area of movement, Patson Daka is very much like Sofiane Boufal and Yoane Wissa. He is the ideal man to purchase if you are looking for a complete striker (in FIFA career mode). Especially one with pacy, decent height, good finishing, and heading abilities. Here is proof (2021 stats).

Patson Daka Religion:

The Zambian forward is a devoted Christian who has no problem talking about his faith and also displaying it to the public.

As a way to publicize his love for his Savior, he puts the words #MakeJesusYourAim at the end of all his Instagram posts. Here is proof of that. This post came after one of Patson Daka’s Workout routines.

Conclusion:

For football fans in Zambia, the UK’s English Premier League is king. It is certain that one of their very own – a brother and son (Patson Daka) – will surely make his country and the whole of Africa proud. Destiny brought him to Leicester as it happened at the right time.

The Biography of Patson Daka is all about Patience and Perseverance. The Zambian forward applied lots of tolerance and endurance during the difficult situations he went through in his youth days. He strived to achieve his target – which now lands him in England.

It behoves us to appreciate Patson Daka’s Parents who taught him values and gave him the early direction in life.

His late Dad (Nathtali Daka) would forever be remembered for laying his career foundation. More so his Mum, Josephine for keeping the family going after her husband’s demise.

Thank you for spending this great deal of time reading the story of a man who considered the future of African football. We care about fairness and accuracy while delivering Stories about African Football Players.

Kindly reach out to us (via comment or contact) if you notice anything that doesn’t look right in our Biography of Patson Daka. Otherwise, you can place a comment on what you think about the Speedy Zambian Forward.