. Lwandamina

By SAMUEL LUKHANDA and  SANDRA MWILA –
ZESCO United finally confirmed the second coming of ‘Chicken’ George Lwandamina to the MTN FAZ Super League champions two years after walking away.
And NAPSA Stars have appointed Elijah Chikwanda as their head coach after sacking Linos Makwaza on Monday.
Zesco United general secretary Richard Mulenga confirmed in a statement the appointment of Lwandamina as coach who until the appointment was coaching Young Africans in Tanzania.
He replaces interim coach Tenant Chembo who quit last Sunday after the game against Nkana.
Lwandamina returns to Ndola where he had his most successful stint as a coach guiding the team to two league titles and a Barclays Cup. He also led Zesco during the memorable run to the semi finals of the CAF Champions League in 2016 as well as doubling as Chipolopolo trainer.
“We have no doubt that with his credentials, he will bring on board exceptional performance and help us conquer African football and that he will continue with the winning culture and unite everyone connected with Zesco United, from the players to the supporters,” said Mulenga.
Lwandamina had mixed fortunes in Tanzania where he guided Yanga to a league title but struggled in CAF inter club competitions which was the main reason Yanga wanted a man of his experience on the continent.
And Napsa have called in veteran trainer Chikwanda in a bid to rescue the unravelling season after firing Makwaza for a string of poor results, having failed to win any game in the 2018 MTN-FAZ Super League.
He was sidelined along side assistants Harry Milanzi and Dabwisto Nkhoma.
According to a press statement released by Napsa communications officer Gwen Chipasula, the club believes Chikwanda will change the fortunes at the Lusaka outfit.
“Napsa Stars believe Coach Chikwanda is the right person to steer the team out of its current position. He has been signed on a performance based contract,” she said.
Chipasula said Chikwanda brings a wealth of experience having had stints in Botswana, Kabwe Warriors, Lusaka Dynamos, City of Lusaka and Nkwazi.
Meanwhile, Buildcon FC unveiled coach Tenant Chembo to the media at their offices in Ndola yesterday to take over from the fired Italian Arena Gulgliemo two days after he quit Zesco.
Chembo fondly known as TC joins Buildcon on a one-year contract and will be in charge of the team today against Nkana in Kitwe.
Buildcon president Moses Mubanga said they were delighted to bring a coach of Chembo’s pedigree to their team and expected him to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor at the club to achieve their objective of playing continental football next season.
“I am grateful for the opportunity given to me to lead this club. I’m aware the president is passionate about football. The ambition is there for everyone to see. I am confident I will add value to the club.
“I know its a long journey and there will be turbulence along the way but if we travel together, we can achieve success. The team that has been assembled here is one of the best in the country. If we work as a team, I believe nothing will go wrong with good planning and help from everyone involved at the club,” said Chembo.
The club hierarchy said they will exercise patience with the new man but would not lower their target despite Chembo coming in while the season was in full swing.