Bethlehem Steel FC announced today that club has acquired Zambian defender Prosper Chiluya via loan ahead of the club’s third USL season. Chiluya (pronounced: Chey-LU-Yah) is under contract with Kafue Celtic FC in Zambia and will occupy an international spot pending league and federation approval.

“We are happy to add another very young player with good recent youth international experience,” Bethlehem Steel FC head coach Brendan Burke said. “Prosper is already adjusting well having just arrived in the United States and we hope that he can push the other young outside backs in the club this season.”

Chiluya, 19, joins Steel FC after a breakout performance at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea, where he helped Zambia a quarterfinal appearance. Playing every minute of the tournament at left back, Chiluya propelled the squad to the top of Group C with wins over Portugal and Iran. In the knockout rounds, Zambia defeated Germany in the Round of 16, 4-3, in extra time with Chiluya all 120 minutes in the win. In the quarterfinals, Zambia was knocked out by eventual third-place finishers Italy.

Earlier in 2017, Chiluya led Zambia to its first Africa U-20 Cup of Nations Championship, again going the distance in all five matches. Playing in front of his own fans, the Lusaka, Zambia native anchored a defense that conceded only two goals in 480 minutes. In the semifinals against South Africa, Chiluya set up the game-winning goal in extra time, firing a free kick that was headed into the net.

Chiluya will make his first appearance with Steel FC tomorrow, February 21, when the club welcomes in-state rival Penn FC. Kickoff from YSC Sports in Wayne, Pa., is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. with the match free and open to the public.

TRANSACTION: Bethlehem Steel FC acquires via loan defender Prosper Chiluya from Kafue Celtic FC on February 20, 2018.

Name: Prosper Chiluya
Position: Defender
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 145
Born: April 2, 1998
Hometown: Lusaka, Zambia
Citizenship: Zambia
Acquired: Bethlehem Steel FC acquire via loan defender Prosper Chiluya from Kafue Celtic FC on February 20, 2018.