Farayi Mungazi BBC Sport

Kalusha Bwalya is a popular figure in Zambia

George Weah's quest for the Liberian presidency split public opinion across Africa in a way that hitherto, only issues such as the Iraq war and Zimbabwe's land reform programme did.

Although the former football star failed to inspire fans to convert their love for him into votes, this has not deterred another African legend from harbouring political ambitions of his own.

Zambian legend Kalusha Bwalya has told BBC Sport that the pursuit of political office will always be an option on the table for the future.

"You never know what will happen in future but at the moment I have no plans to go into politics," the 1988 African Footballer of the Year told BBC Sport.

"My role will always be associated with football unless I change my mind but at the moment, my hands are full with running football."

Although politicians the world over habitually make extravagant claims regarding the public support which they have, there is no doubting Bwalya's popularity in Zambia.

Thanks in no mall part to his exploits with the national team, Bwalya has managed to create an image and legacy for himself and his place in Zambian history is assured forever.

Which is why some people expect him to follow in Weah's footsteps and go for political office in a country where most politicians are often ridiculed for their ability to run nothing bigger than a bath.

"It's important to note that I'm in the football business and football runs parallel with politics because what the politicians want is what we do," he told BBC Sport.

Bwalya, currently preparing for next year's African Nations Cup finals in Egypt, said he saw nothing wrong with sports figures-turned-politicians like Weah.

"I think everybody is interested in the politics of the country and, in my opinion, we in football should always work in tandem with politicians.