‘IT IS GOOD AND BAD’: THE ABSENCE OF FIVE KEY PLAYERS WORRY MUMAMBA

ZESCO United coach Numba Mumamba has expressed worry over the absence of five key players resulting in the cancelation of Saturdays FAZ/MTN Super League fixture against Nkwazi.

The Ndola based league giants are missing the services of Kelvin Kampamba, Bruce Musakanya, Adrian Chama, Clement Mwape and Fackson Kapumbu who have since joined the Zambia National team ahead of the 2021 CHAN tournament scheduled to kick-off on 16 January, 2021 in Cameroun.

“I think the absence of the 5 players will affect us in terms of preparations. As it is now we don’t know when we will resume our games especially that we will be missing key players who are on national duty. This period is crucial for team bonding especially that we have some new players who are coming in,” Mumamba said.

Mumamba says the club will use this window to prepare adequately and ensure that the new players get accustomed to the club’s philosophy.

“On the contrary, this break will give us enough time to prepare the boys so that they are ready to take up the next challenge. We will also be looking at making additions to the squad before we start playing again. It is a great window to bond between the old players and new one.”

Meanwhile the ZESCO United gaffer has hailed Ntibahezwa Deioudonne, Enock Sabumukama and David Owino Odhiambo for their significant contribution towards the success of the team.

“I wish to thank the three lads who have left the club for a job well done. They have contributed to the growth of the team and showed a lot of professionalism from the time I joined the club. I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavour.”

The departure of the trio has given Mumamba an opportunity to scout for home-grown talent: “There is now a policy which limits the number of foreign players to 5. We need to adhere to this. That is why we had to let go of some players. We will be looking towards recruiting home grown players. We have already brought in Toaster Nsabata as a replacement for Ntibahezwa.”

The 8 times Zambian Super League champions will have to wait a little longer before they could restart their league campaign.

Author: Desmond Katongo