The superfan from Zambia embarked on his epic journey to Somerset Park after unexpectedly joining the Honest Men as their distant followers.
Chibaala’s trip to see his heroes up close was made possible by the generous donations of his fellow fans.
The 33-year-old hit the terraces yesterday as Scott Brown’s side continued their 100 per cent start to the campaign. For Chibaala, it marked the culmination of two years supporting the team in the wake of Zambian international defender, Frankie Musonda, signing on at Somerset.
The football enthusiast from Monze was able to travel to see other United supporters both before and after yesterday’s 2-0 victory over Raith Rovers thanks to an online fundraising campaign. At a special Somerset event this week, supporters will also have the opportunity to meet the internet sensation.
“To finally be here doesn’t feel real,” Chibaala said to the Ayrshire Post. Those who follow my posts on social media frequently inquire as to how I manage to follow the team with the fervor that I do.
However, I suppose it simply comes naturally. When you start anything like this, you give it everything you’ve got, and I apply the same mentality to Ayr United. Even though I watch Zambian football at home as well, while Frankie has been here, Ayr has grown to become my devout passion.
“I met Scott Brown after arriving and to see such a special figure in football was incredible. It’s so humbling to think of the effort that people have made for me and back home, people could barely believe it was happening until they actually saw the picture of me here. I still can’t believe it, really.”
Since making his Chipolopolo debut in 2022, Musonda has grown to be revered by Zambian football fans as a hero. He acknowledges that Chibaala’s commitment to the game astounded him. “It’s humble to think that Charles has traveled so far to see me,” he remarked.
The work that has been done to get him here is tremendous, and I am grateful for the assistance I receive from the Zambian team. It demonstrates the camaraderie and unity of the club’s members. It’s unfortunate that a little ailment kept me from attending the game he was here for, but maybe I can repay the favor by getting him a good seat in the box when Zambia plays.”
Local businessman Barry Cowan has been the driving force in bringing Chibaala to Scotland after the two forged a friendship online. They both help to run a Facebook page for United fans – Ayr United Fans Worldwide – and Charles is being hosted by Barry this week at his Walled Garden Caravan Park, with a pledge of some proper Ayrshire hospitality.
Barry stated: “We’ll show Charles the sites and do all the customs like Robert Burns and make sure he has the right experience. Charles will return to Zambia and give away about eleven bags of donated Ayr United strips and memorabilia to the locals, thanks to the amazing support of the supporters. It’s simply an amazing tale.”
“It’s great to finally meet Charles – he’s been trying to come over for a while now, so all credit to Barry and the team who’ve pulled this together and made it possible,” United Managing Director Graeme Mathie continued. We all think it’s an incredible tale at the club.”