ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
It’s exactly two weeks since Numba Mumamba was appointed ZESCO United head coach replacing George Lwandamina.
Mumamba has thus far seamlessly adjusted to life at his new home in a town where he was born some 42 years ago.
Mumamba’s appointment is the beginning of a new era for club and coach, especially for the latter whose managerial career was honed around the walls of Zanaco Football club for almost a decade.
The ZESCO United gaffer has already set his sights on returning the Super League title which the club surrendered to Nkana last season: “I am humbled to be given this chance to coach ZESCO United. The objective for me is to continue with the philosophy of the club which is about winning titles and playing competitive football.
This is a big team that has been consistent in the last decade. I know the expectations are very high especially with the good work my predecessor did. It is important to pick up from there and take the team to the next level.”
Mumamba is thus far impressed with the player’s response in training after overseeing a weeklong pre-season training camp in Mongu, Western Province before shifting base back to Ndola.
“The response has been excellent from everyone. They have shown commitment towards work which is a great thing that we expect from everyone.
The outing in Mongu was fantastic under tough sweltering weather conditions which is good for preparations. We have a team that is equal to the task in terms of what comes ahead,” Mumamba added.
Managerial changes can mean a seismic shift in many things including the team’s philosophy and playing style.
Mumamba has already declared his desire to continue with the club’s philosophy of winning titles, a feat that has turned the eight-times Super League giants into the country’s biggest football force.
However, Mumamba is his own man, with football ethos that will not only guarantee victories on the pitch but also delivers the type of football that will be eye-catching.
Mumamba expects everyone to quickly adjust to the ‘New Normal’:” These are senior players with a lot of experience. It is very easy for them to adapt to changes.
From what we have seen, we won’t have problems in terms of the team adjusting to the philosophy. Everyone is pushing and working hard to make sure we are ready for the league.”
The 2020/2021 FAZ/MTN Super League season is set to start in a few weeks to come. Mumamba has already set his plans for the first half of the campaign in motion.
“What we need at the moment is to plan for the games. We need to have a strategy in place such that by the time we are reaching half way of the season, we know where we are going.
Winning the League is about winning games in the first half of the season because that reduces pressure on the team. That’s what we are now working on.”
ZESCO United veteran goalkeeper, Jacob Banda has expressed happiness with everyone’s response following the appointment of the new coach.
“The response has been fantastic from the lads. Everyone is working hard because we know that we have to get back to winning ways when the league starts. We all want to follow his philosophy and want to support him in the best way possible.
The outing in Mongu was great for everyone in the team especially in returning game fitness. Everyone is fighting for places because they know that there are new players who have come in the team. For example, you have three players fighting for one position. That brings massive competition.”
Author: Desmond Katongo
