Zambia striker Jacob Mulenga says he is thriving at his new club Shijiazhuang Yongchan FC and has urged other African footballers to consider a move to China if an opportunity arises. But 31 year old Mulenga - who has also played across Europe - says his journey to China has come with much hard work and dedication.
In 2003 - when new Zambia mentor Kalusha Bwalya initially rang Jacob Mulenga to the national group - little was thought about the tall forward.
Mulenga's consideration in the Zambia squad astonished numerous. Bwalya had recently obtained his guiding identifications and was in his first administrative employment. At the same time, the new Chipolopolo mentor was willing to take a bet on the striker who then played for nearby side Afrisports.
After twelve years, it is in China where Mulenga now plays for super division side Shijiazhuang Yongchan FC that has had Zambians talking once more. What's more, Mulenga says it has been the ideal move for him.
"Indeed, I have encountered Europe and recognize what its about. Possibly not all classes in Europe but rather I comprehend the requests and prerequisites of Europe, in addition to the European society," Mulenga told BBC Sport.
"So I needed an alternate test and China, USA or UAE were the alternatives. Anyway, at last china was what was picked.
"You have to comprehend China has an altogether different society. So rationally you have to conform and acknowledge a ton of things. At the same time, taking all things together, its a society I am taking in a considerable measure about."
Hailing from a well-to-do family, Mulenga was by and large seen as an adolescent who was lost in his numerous gifts - from playing b-ball and riding engine bicycles to being a competitor and needing to turn into an expert footballer.
He concentrated on his football profession which took him to clubs crosswise over France, Turkey and Holland.
With three Africa Cup of Nations trips and more than 50 tops for Zambia, Mulenga contends that Chinese football is exceptionally focused - regardless of what a few individuals may think.
"I see individuals are extremely skilled and the level is route higher than individuals might suspect," he said.
"Through the years, they have put a great deal in football from the young people to the super group with mentors from all over adding their insight to the association which has truly taken Chinese football to new statures.
"Besides, being a nation with boundless stores towards football, they will turn into a huge market soon. As of now, I can say from what I have assembled, clubs are a ton greater than European groups fiscally."
Mulenga releases the idea that China is a football destination for players searching for retirement bundles, and says individuals can just remark on the off chance that they have encountered Chinese football.
"It's not extremely astute to discuss a spot you have never truly worked in or analyze things you have never truly experienced," Mulenga alerts.
"For youthful players, I would say on the off chance that you have a chance to move to China or any class that is more cutting-edge than the association you are in, then you need to take it .
"Try not to be tricked by supposing you are adequate to play anyplace; football is orderly. In the event that you miss an excess of steps, your gift will start to feel like a condemnation."
Mulenga says he is as yet learning, and that diverse players create at distinctive stages. He says interest in youth football is critical.
"We all wish for youthful Zambians in top classes however the truth is our establishments in football are not all that solid henceforth the methodology and learning phase of football is procured at a much later stage contrasted with different players in more propelled associations.
"Zambia has a plenitude of ability yet its harsh jewels. Interest in the adolescent from an extremely youthful age is indispensable."
Mulenga was not piece of the Zambia group that won the 2012 Nations Cup due to harm.
In spite of the fact that he returned for the accompanying competition in 2013 in South Africa, Zambia were wiped out in first round.
In spite of being let alone for the 2015 Africa Cup squad in January, he is resolute his days in the Chipolopolo hues are not yet over.
"Now and again, understanding the choice of players has had me a touch confounded and left me baffled to a certain degree," Mulenga says.
"In any case, I have been savvy enough to see each mentor has his own concept of football so he needs what he sees to fit in his thought. So you need to regard that.
"Being an expert is a considerable measure about regarding the mentors' choice.
So when its the right minute it might be known."
In 2003 - when new Zambia mentor Kalusha Bwalya initially rang Jacob Mulenga to the national group - little was thought about the tall forward.
Mulenga's consideration in the Zambia squad astonished numerous. Bwalya had recently obtained his guiding identifications and was in his first administrative employment. At the same time, the new Chipolopolo mentor was willing to take a bet on the striker who then played for nearby side Afrisports.
After twelve years, it is in China where Mulenga now plays for super division side Shijiazhuang Yongchan FC that has had Zambians talking once more. What's more, Mulenga says it has been the ideal move for him.
"Indeed, I have encountered Europe and recognize what its about. Possibly not all classes in Europe but rather I comprehend the requests and prerequisites of Europe, in addition to the European society," Mulenga told BBC Sport.
"So I needed an alternate test and China, USA or UAE were the alternatives. Anyway, at last china was what was picked.
"You have to comprehend China has an altogether different society. So rationally you have to conform and acknowledge a ton of things. At the same time, taking all things together, its a society I am taking in a considerable measure about."
Hailing from a well-to-do family, Mulenga was by and large seen as an adolescent who was lost in his numerous gifts - from playing b-ball and riding engine bicycles to being a competitor and needing to turn into an expert footballer.
He concentrated on his football profession which took him to clubs crosswise over France, Turkey and Holland.
With three Africa Cup of Nations trips and more than 50 tops for Zambia, Mulenga contends that Chinese football is exceptionally focused - regardless of what a few individuals may think.
"I see individuals are extremely skilled and the level is route higher than individuals might suspect," he said.
"Through the years, they have put a great deal in football from the young people to the super group with mentors from all over adding their insight to the association which has truly taken Chinese football to new statures.
"Besides, being a nation with boundless stores towards football, they will turn into a huge market soon. As of now, I can say from what I have assembled, clubs are a ton greater than European groups fiscally."
Mulenga releases the idea that China is a football destination for players searching for retirement bundles, and says individuals can just remark on the off chance that they have encountered Chinese football.
"It's not extremely astute to discuss a spot you have never truly worked in or analyze things you have never truly experienced," Mulenga alerts.
"For youthful players, I would say on the off chance that you have a chance to move to China or any class that is more cutting-edge than the association you are in, then you need to take it .
"Try not to be tricked by supposing you are adequate to play anyplace; football is orderly. In the event that you miss an excess of steps, your gift will start to feel like a condemnation."
Mulenga says he is as yet learning, and that diverse players create at distinctive stages. He says interest in youth football is critical.
"We all wish for youthful Zambians in top classes however the truth is our establishments in football are not all that solid henceforth the methodology and learning phase of football is procured at a much later stage contrasted with different players in more propelled associations.
"Zambia has a plenitude of ability yet its harsh jewels. Interest in the adolescent from an extremely youthful age is indispensable."
Mulenga was not piece of the Zambia group that won the 2012 Nations Cup due to harm.
In spite of the fact that he returned for the accompanying competition in 2013 in South Africa, Zambia were wiped out in first round.
In spite of being let alone for the 2015 Africa Cup squad in January, he is resolute his days in the Chipolopolo hues are not yet over.
"Now and again, understanding the choice of players has had me a touch confounded and left me baffled to a certain degree," Mulenga says.
"In any case, I have been savvy enough to see each mentor has his own concept of football so he needs what he sees to fit in his thought. So you need to regard that.
"Being an expert is a considerable measure about regarding the mentors' choice.
So when its the right minute it might be known."
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Football