ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
Ndola, (Sunday, 11th December 2022)– ZESCO United management is saddened by the passing of former Zambia National Team and ZESCO United football club attacking midfielder Francis Kasonde.
Club Chief Executive Officer, Charles Kalala has described Kasonde as an astounding player who contributed a lot to the growth of the game during his playing days.
“It is with deep sadness that we receive the news of the death of Francis Kasonde. We will profoundly remember him for the role he played in the growth and success of ZESCO United football club. He further played a major role in developing future star players for the club when he served as ZESCO Shockers coach.
“On behalf of ZESCO United Football Club management, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Kasonde family, friends and loved ones. It is our hope that, in some way, our words of support may help to bring some peace and solace in this time of sadness.”
Francis ‘Koje’ Kasonde Brief Background
The man affectionately known as ‘Koje’ was born in December 28, 1979 in Wusakile Township, Kitwe. Kasonde went to Nkana Primary school, then Ndeke secondary school but would later complete his education at Chililabombwe secondary after joining sharp Konkola Blades.
Kasonde was a cunning midfielder with dazzling skills and technical abilities that would unlock any defense.
His playing career started with Power Dynamos youth team in 1992. After his maiden appearance at the Cosafa Cup, Konkola Blades went after the promising midfielder.
After shinning his way through the Blades team which eventually won the 1998 Mosi Cup beating Zanaco 2-1, Kasonde began to attract interests from big teams from the Super League.
Following his five-year stint at Konkola Blades, Kasonde could not resist the trappings of playing for Magnificent Kabwe Warriors, a side that later captured his signature in 1998.
Kasonde was part of the Zambia National Team U-20 side which won the Cosafa Cup in 1997 and later represented the country at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Kasonde was also part of the Zambia National Team at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations held in Mali.
After four years in Kabwe, Kasonde joined ZESCO United in 2002 who later won promotion to the Super League in 2004.
Kasonde would inspire ZESCO United to second position of the Super League in 2005 and won the Coca Cola Cup in 2007.
Before his passing, Kasonde was ZESCO Limited Assistant Human Resources Officer stationed in Western Province, Mongu.
Issued by
Desmond Katongo
ZUFC Public Relations and Media Officer
#WEAREUNITED
