CHING’ANDU: THE ‘LITTLE’ GENIUS THAT KEEPS WINNING

With Jacob Banda gone, and now Winston Kalengo, ZESCO United attacking midfielder John Ching’andu is arguably the only remaining effigy of the club’s meteoric rise to continental stage which begun almost a decade ago.

The little genius has for a long time been the heartbeat of the club, dictating and orchestrating victories from the middle of the park.

Ching’andu has for the last decade been an embodiment of ZESCO United’s philosophy of flawless passing and counter attacking football largely dictated in the middle of the park.

He hasn’t just been a play maker for the team, but has become part of an ideologue, directing the workings of a philosophy with each perfectly crafted pass.

At his best, one can easily compare the little genius to former Spanish and Barcelona midfielder, Xavi Hernandez for his measured composure; his gliding and elegant demeanor.

A product of the ZESCO United youth system, Ching’andu has seen the worst and the best years at a club which currently boosts of 9 Zambian Super League titles and six (6) Absa Cup trophies.

At 29, Ching’andu remains a critical component of the ever changing ZESCO United dressing room.

ZESCO United cantered away with the 2020/2021 Zambian Super League title thanks to the attacking midfielder’s wizardly and intelligence in the middle of the park.

Ching’andu’s performance helped ZESCO United win their ninth (9) league title, beating Zanaco with a 16-point margin; with the attacking midfielder bagging the Players’ Player of the Year Award.

The 2021/2022 season, however saw ZESCO United surrender their league title to Red Arrows in a hotly contest league campaign.

Leading the charge to thwart and frustrate Red Arrows second (2) league triumph was Ching’andu.

The ZESCO United attacking midfielder scored nine (9) goals for his club emerging the clubs Top goal Scorer and winning the clubs Players’ Player of the Year Award for the second time running.

As the club continues to search for the finest tune which saw ZESCO United dance its way to the top of the domestic and international game, one can’t dispute the impact Ching’andu is likely to have in the next wave of success.

Author: Desmond Katongo