By SAMUEL LUKHANDA  and SANDRA MWILA –
ZESCO United are believed to be in advanced talks with Kenyan international midfielder Anthony Akumu as the Zambian champions aim to strengthen their squad ahead of CAF 2016 Champions League duties.
Akumu, 23, is reported to be unhappy in Sudan and while at the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, confirmed he is willing to consider new offers ahead of the 2016 season.
Ndola has emerged as his next potential destination as he looks to make the next step in his career.
Zesco United secretary general Justin Mumba told SuperSport.com that the midfielder was headed for the Ndola giants for talks and was hopeful that a deal would be reached.
“The club is very much interested in him but that will also depend on how he feels about the club and moving to Zambia.
“At the moment we have not agreed on anything as we are waiting for him to land then have the talks; we remain hopeful that a deal will be reached,” he said.
Akumu, one of the shining stars for Kenya at the 2015 CECAFA Senior Challenge despite his side exiting at the quarter-final stage, is already in Ndola with his agent George Bwana to tie up the deal with Zesco.
Meanwhile, Zambian envoys in the CAF 2016 Confederation Cup, Zanaco, have parted company with striker Mathews Macha who was instrumental during the just-ended soccer season.
Macha scored four goals during the season, contributing to the club’s success to play continental football, but it is believed he intends to join Napsa Stars next season.
Zanaco chairperson Edward Mutale confirmed in an interview that Macha would no longer be with the ‘bankers’, adding that the striker did not extend his contract as he had offers outside the country.
“Yes, I can confirm that Macha will no longer be with our team, he refused to sign a contract; he told us he has offers outside the country,” Mutale said.
Midfielder Henry Banda’s playing days are over with the bankers and will also be given a new role at the club to coach Young Zanaco.
Reliable sources said Banda, who last month attended a FAZ licence coaching course, will no longer play for Zanaco but will be given a new role with the junior side.
“Banda has been released at Zanaco but will assume a new role as Young Zanaco coach starting next season, though the club is yet to approach him on the development,” the source said.