ZESCO UNITED OUT TO WRITE A NEW CHAPTER

It’s now over 104 days since ZESCO United surrendered the league title to the Zambia Airforce-sponsored Red Arrows. The 2020/21 league champions watched helplessly as the Airmen lifted the coveted Super League title, signaling the transfer of instruments of power from Copperbelt to Lusaka.

This was a title lost on small margins with Arrows’ back-to-back (home and away) victories over ZESCO United proving the biggest difference at the end of the season.

The Airmen pocketed the league with 70 points whilst ZESCO United could only amass 63 points from 34 matches.

With nine league titles in its cupboard, ZESCO United is resolved to open a new era of invincibility. This resolve to change the narrative is evident through the number of signings the club has made since the opening of the transfer window. The club has thus far secured eight players ahead of the 2022/23 football season.

Mumamba Numba’s current squad is endowed with some of the finest talents the domestic game can provide. With the nightmare of last year’s CAF Champions League early exit still fresh, ZESCO United have not been shy to knock on every door in search of talent that can take them to the promised land.

In goal, Ian Otieno and Gregory Sanjase have been confronted with the arrival of South African-born and Zambian international goalkeeper Cyril Chibwe. It is arguably the first time a Zambian club will be starting the season with this level of quality and experience between the sticks. A possible selection nightmare for goalkeeper trainer, Jacob Banda.

At the back, Jack Ngulube has joined the likes of Adrian Chama, Solomon Sakala, John Chishimba, Clement Mwape, Simon Silwimba, Samson Mkandawire, and Shemmy Mayembe.

Ngulube, signed on loan from Green Buffaloes is expected to provide cover at right back and provide Numba with options whenever ZESCO United will be transitioning from domestic to international football.

The last two decades have seen ZESCO United take the Zambian game by the scruff of the neck owing to the depth of their defensive midfielders.

A combination of Akumu Agay and retired defensive midfielder Kondwani Mtongo was a match made in heaven.

Akumu’s defensive nature and Mtonga’s slow but exquisite ball distribution catapulted the side to continental stardom. However, their departure from the club could only be equated to losing one’s heart and soul.

Two seasons ago, ZESCO United brought in Donashano Malama to provide both depth and experience in the middle of the park. Malama continues to do his part considering his time in the game. Samuel Sikaongo on the other hand remains a prized property for the future.

With depth lacking in that respect, ZESCO United have captured the signature of Kelvin Kapumbu from Zanaco. With a decent number of caps at National Team level, Kapumbu is expected to draw the club an inch closer to Akumu and Mtonga’s deliverables.

ZESCO United have always had a rich attacking midfield. The wizardry and intelligence of the club’s long-serving midfielder, John Chingandu has resulted in several trophies for the Ndola-based side.

Chingandu has not just been a playmaker but has become part of an ideologue, directing the workings of a philosophy with each perfectly crafted pass. He was and remains a joy to watch.

Aware of Chingandu’s waning time in the game, ZESCO United management couldn’t avoid the temptation of capturing one of the country’s best-attacking midfielders, Kelvin Kampamba.

Kampamba has been one of the most immaculate buys the club has made in recent years. He has been a marvel to watch, scoring jaw-dropping goals that catapulted ZESCO United to her ninth league title.

This season, ZESCO United have added two talents to their mouthwatering pack of midfielders. Kizito Keziron has joined the Zambian league giants from Buildcon while Songa Chipyoka comes from Shamuel Lusaka academy.

Fast and mobile, Kezironi will be expected to compliment the ingenious Kampamba and Chingandu while Chipyoka brings both speed and skill not forgetting his ability to score goals from free kicks.

In the last two seasons, ZESCO United have labored to find a natural number nine since the waning in fortunes for retired striker Winstone Kalengo, and the departure of Lazarus Kambole.

This challenge was further compounded by Jesse Were’s failure to find form following Kamboles move to Kaizer Chiefs.

Enock Sakala got a promotion from the junior side and became an instant hit in his first season scoring six goals. Sakala has, however, laboured for consistency on target coupled with a lack of experience.

ZESCO United attempted to bring David Molinga but the Congolese failed to live up to expectations.

Desperate for goals in a season that was proving too difficult, ZESCO United procured the services of Kenyan striker Vincent Oburu on a short term six months contract. Oburu became an instant hit featuring in three games and scoring once before sustaining an injury.

The flashes shown by Oburu in his first three games gave ZESCO United management and the club technical bench enough oomph to offer the nascent striker a three-year deal.

With CAF Confederations Cup football on the horizon, ZESCO United have beefed up their striking force with the arrival of Alfred Leku from Uganda.

This Saturday ZESCO United begin their journey to retain to the summit of the Zambian game by dislodging Red Arrows from their perch.

Numba and his squad will be hoping to start the season on high by beating Prison Leopards at the President stadium, Kabwe.

Author: Desmond Katongo