By Kennedy Gondwe BBC Sport Online, Lusaka

Zambian striker Rotson Kilambe has warned other players against taking performance-enhancing substances.

Kilambe, who recently had his drug ban lifted by Fifa, said his forced absence from football was a bitter pill to swallow.

"I have been through it and I know what it means," said Kilambe.

"I would like to advise my colleagues to play the game without taking anything."

Kilambe said the ban denied him the chance of going to the African Nations Cup finals in Mali.

European football

And Kilambe was earmarked to attend trials with a Swiss club - but the drug ban prematurely ended that plan.

"I have always wanted to play professional football and I know one day that will still happen because I am working hard," he added.

The 23-year-old player praised his colleagues at Power Dynamos for making his return a happy experience.

"There has been so much co-operation from my team mates and coaches," he said.

Since the four-week-old Zambian league resumed, Kilambe has commanded a regular place in Power Dynamos starting line-up, scoring one goal.