ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
Former Zesco Malaiti Rangers defender, Sam Mkandawire is anxious to break into the ZESCO United first team.
24-year-old Mkandawire joined ZESCO United last year from one of the club’s developmental teams, Zesco Malaite Rangers.
Like Samuel Sikaonga, Mkandawire is another young star working tirelessly to catch the eye of ZESCO United coach, George Lwandamina.
“It is a dream come true to be part of the main team. This is something that any young player wants to achieve. Right now I am focussing on working on my game and also learning from the experienced players around me,” Mkandawire said.
Being around a dressing room dominated by experienced local and foreign players can be extremely intimidating for young players. However, for Mkandawire, he has already made friends with some senior players.
“ZESCO United has a lot of very good senior players who have been quite helpful to me since I arrived at the club. Clement Mwape has been very good to me and often offers some guidance.
Coach George Lwandamina has also been like a father to me. He is ever encouraging me to work hard so that I can develop in the game.”
Mkandawire’s name was for the first time listed among the 21-member squad that faced Kanasanshi Dynamos. Although he didn’t feature in the game, that experience was good enough for the budding defender.
“I was very happy to be among the players selected for that game. It is signal that I am making progress here and I am sure my opportunity will come if I continue working hard.”
Mkandawire has joined another academy graduate, Samuel Sikaonga who recently advanced to the ZESCO United main team.
Last week, ZESCO United Chief Executive Officer, Richard Mulenga echoed the club’s desire to have more young players from developmental clubs breaking into the main ZESCO United team.
Author: Desmond Katongo
