KAMPAMBA SHOWS WHY ZESCO UNITED PURSUED HIS SIGNATURE

When his name was first mentioned behind the closed ‘Iron curtains’ of ZESCO United establishment, not many would have believed a deal would materialize between the eight times Super League champions and the 13-times League winners, Nkana.

Forget the money that would be involved or the rivalry between the two institutions or the arguments that may possibly arise if this deal was to eventually materialize especially between ZESCO United supporters, and Nkana loyalists.

Kelvin Kampamba’s move to ZESCO United was always going to be the Zambian transfer windows mega movement and a hot topical issue for those who have closely followed the Zambian game for many years.

And when it finally happened, it felt like Carlos Tevez moving from the half Red of Manchester to the blue half of the city. Kampamba’s capture was a coup for ZESCO United management and fans.

Yesterday, Kampamba showed exactly why ZESCO United management did everything possible to secure his signature for the next two years.

The young attacking midfielder scored Zambia’s first goal when the Chipolopolo boys faced South Africa in an international friendly match played at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa.

With Zambia trailing 1-0 in the 66 minute through a Keagan Dolly goal, coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic made two second half changes which saw ZESCO United’s Kelvin Kampamba and Bruce Musakanya join the fray in search of an equaliser.  

A good link up play between Musakanya and Kampamba saw the latter strike a powerful shot from outside the South African penalty box to give Zambia an equalizer in the 77 minute.

Zambia completed their victory with an 81-minute winning goal from Chaniza Zulu to give the Chipolopolo boys a deserved 2-1 victory over their Southern African rivals.

KAMPAMBA’S NATIONAL TEAM PERFORMANCE

Kampamba has been exceptional in the three international friendly games that Zambia has played in the last one week.

The midfield genius was instrumental in Zambia’s 1-0 victory over Malawi, creating goal scoring opportunities for the Chipolopolo boys.

However, it was Kampamba’s exquisite pass from Zambia’s half which found Collins Sikombe with the latter perfectly positioned to dispatch Zambia’s only goal that caught everyone’s attention.

It was a well-executed pass that French legendary attacking midfielder and now Real Madrid Manager, Zinedine Zidane would have approved anytime.

The ZESCO United’s midfielder has been a big difference every time coach Micho has used him either from the start or as a substitute.

Kampamba’s impressive performances in national colours has not only caught the attention of the Zambian National Team coach, but also ZESCO United head coach, Numba Mumamba.  

The attacking midfielder has also had many fans talking especially ZESCO United supporters who are eagerly waiting for the new season to start.

Author: Desmond Katongo