By SANDRA MWILA –
SIX-TIME Zambian League champions, Zanaco had a season to forget last year after missing out on winning the title and clinching a CAF Inter-Club championship slot on the last day of a memorable and dramatic 2014 MTN-FAZ Super Division season.
Heading into the last fixtures of the season, Zanaco lead the table with 57 points followed by Zesco United on 56 points and Power Dynamos on 54 points but suffered a humiliating defeat at Red Arrows.

•ZANACO FC

Zanaco were hammered 4-0 by relegation threatened Arrows, a defeat that saw Zesco win the league after beating and relegating Kabwe Warriors via a 3-1 score line.
Power managed to sneak into third place following a 1-0 win over Nakambala Leopards to finish level on 57 points with Zanaco but the Kitwe side had a better goal difference that gave them the Confederation Cup slot.
Zanaco’s desire to perform well this season was noticed when the club management made changes to the coaching bench elevating Mumamba Numba to head coach replacing Aggrey Chiyangi who is now technical advisor.
The executive committee also roped in Robin Musanka, who was with Young Zanaco, as assistant coach with Kalumba Mpunga taking up the role of second assistant trainer.
Mpunga replaced John Lungu whose contract was terminated by the football club.
Zanaco has six league titles to its name having won their first title in 2002 with the others coming in 2003,2005,2006,2009 and the last being in 2012 under the late coach Keagan Mumba supervision.
And Numba is out to redeem Zanaco’s pride this season by aiming at winning the League and Barclays Cup that eluded them last season.
Numba said the memories of missing out on participating in the CAF Inter Club Championship hurts and that he was ready to restore Zanaco’s pride.
Despite failing to guide Zanaco past the semi finals of the Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu Charity Shield after losing 1-0 to Power, Numba remains confident the bankers will worthy contenders this season.
He said he has built a team that should be able to challenge for the league and Barclays Cup titles and play continental football next year.
“As Zanaco, we always go into the competition as strong contenders and we will make sure we win as many games in the first round to keep us closer to winning the title, “he said.
Numba believes in continuity, team spirit and strongly feels Zanaco can reclaim the title if the players, staff and executive work as a team.
He says every coach has his own philosophy and that he brings to the table new tactical approach that will enhance Zanaco’s performance.
“I will maintain all the good things but as new coach, I have my own philosophies that I believe will enhance performance of the club,” Numba said.
Numba urged the players to work hard this season and bring back smiles on the faces of the fans and sponsors, who have put in a lot.
To achieve that feat, Numba has beefed up the squad by signing Nchanga Rangers goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata, strikers Nawa Nawa and Emmanuel Phiri (also from Nchanga Rangers) and Archibong Utibe, a striker from Nigeria.
The club sadly parted ways Aubrey Zulu, veteran Davies Mwape and Lennon Muma.
Fact Box
Nickname:The bankers, Sensational
Stadium:Sunset Stadium (10,000)
Founded:1985
Head Coach:Mumamba Numba
Assistant coach:Robin Musanka
Captain: Henry Banda
Chairperson: Edward Mutale
Team Colours:Red and black (home), White (away)
Honours:League-Six (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2006, 2012)
Charity Shield:Three (2001, 2003, 2006)
Coca-Cola Cup: Two (2001, 2004)
Mosi Cup: 2002
BP Challenge Cup: 1987, 1988, 2006