ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
Jacob Banda’s reign at ZESCO United came to a close on Sunday. This development summed-up what has been a successful career for a player who has dedicated 16-years of his life to serving one football club.
In an age where even the biggest, most impressive of stars can be lured away from their footballing home if the price is right, Banda’s allegiance to one team for the last 16-years has surely won him the cult hero status among ZESCO United fans.
He falls in the same category of legends like former Power Dynamos goalkeeper, Blackwell Chalwe, Manchester United winger, Ryan Giggs, AC Milan defender, Paulo Maldini, AS Roma striker Francesco Totti, and Zamalek striker Hamada Emam whose love for their boyhood dream teams still remains unquestionable.
“I have always been a big fan of ZESCO United. However, I was motivated to be a goalkeeper by former Real Madrid goalkeeper, Iker Casillas. I was a big follower of Madrid between 2001 and 2002.”
Banda walks away from ZESCO United’s historic home stadium, Trade Fair Grounds, with his head high having won eight Super League titles, two Mosi Cup titles, One Coca Cola Cup title and Six Absa Cups and four Charity Shield titles.
His final time at the club was spiced up with ZESCO United’s resounding 0-3 victory over their cross town rivals Forest Rangers.
“I wish to give thanks to the ZESCO United Football Club Management and Executive, the soccer fans, the media, coaches and the players. Without their support, I wasn’t going to achieve all that I have gained in the last 16-years at the club.
I leave the club with a peaceful mind knowing that ZESCO United is in safe hands with Ian Otieno and Toaster Nsabata between the sticks. Thank you once again,” Banda said.
Banda’s journey in the game is a collection of determination, focus, sacrifice and discipline.
21-years ago, Banda set out on a career path that promised very little for a young man who had decided to abandon his education career.
Football once regarded as a sport for young people who didn’t have a future beyond a classroom was to be Banda’s first choice.
16-years later, Banda is arguably the most decorated player and goalkeeper to have ever played for ZESCO United Football Club.
The ZESCO United shot stopper honed his goalkeeping skills in the dusty streets of Ndola’s Ndeke Township before successfully penetrating the youth ranks at Indeni Football Academy.
“My first stint as a goalkeeper was with Indeni Academy. I was later selected to be part of the Indeni main team. It wasn’t easy because I found experienced goalkeepers like Steven Munkonga who at that time was the first-choice goalkeeper. I had to wait for my opportunity but that also meant showing that I was worth the call.”
Widely respected purely for his talent between the sticks, it was just a matter of time before Banda could be on the cards of one of the big hitters in Ndola town.
In 2005, ZESCO United won promotion to the Super League. The Ndola based side was meteorically pacing its way to the top of the Zambian game.
This development meant that the team had to make some signings that could make their stay in the topflight of the Zambian game longer.
“I signed for ZESCO United in 2005 under Coach Fredrick Ngwenya. It was a dream come true for me because, at that time, every young boy in Ndola wanted to play for ZESCO United. This was also the biggest test of my career because the club had some good goalkeepers. There was Emmanuel Musichili, Steven Munkonga, Ken Mumba. I had to work my way to the top because I was signed as a fourth choice goalkeeper.”
With ZESCO United’s goalkeeping department well marshalled by the experienced Musichili and Munkonga, Banda had to wait a bit longer for his time. A change in coaches saw the late Wesley Mondo take up the reigns at ZESCO United.
“I enjoyed some game time when the late Wesley Mondo was appointed head coach. He loved rotating goalkeepers. This gave me a very big opportunity to show that I can be trusted between the sticks.”
An outstanding performance against Power Dynamos and El Merrick of Sudan, and a rare maiden appearance at the U-20 FIFA World Cup competition held in Canada, set Banda on a path to greatness.
“I have great memories which I think made me excel as a goalkeeper at ZESCO United. One of my outstanding performances was against Power Dynamos in 2006, a game we won 1-0. We also beat Al Merrick 2-3 in Sudan in the CAF Champions League in 2009 with Jonas Sakuwaha scoring a hat-trick.
In 2007, I was the first choice goalkeeper for the Zambia U-20 national team that qualified for the 2007 U-20 World Cup. I think people started to notice that I was a good goalkeeper.”
Banda’s light has shone brightly not just for his talent between the sticks but also for his leadership skills. As club captain, he has been able to keep the dressing room together in an age where football is largely dominated by superstar egos.
“I am very lucky to be captain of this side. However, it is not easy because you have to deal with players with totally different backgrounds and nationalities. I am happy because I have a good relationship with everyone and we all respect each other.”
Banda’s remarkable journey at ZESCO United is a story and lesson worth replicating especially for young players with high hopes of acquiring legendary status at a massive institution like ZESCO United.
Goodbye Spiderman, we will never forget your time here and the numerous trophies you gave us. Your name shall forever be etched in the annals of ZESCO United Football Club’s history.
Author: Desmond Katongo
