Numba ditches Warriors, spurns Zesco, joins Zanaco

Coach Mumamba Numba has made a dramatic switch from title-chasing Super Division side Kabwe Warriors to relegation strapped Zanaco in a seemingly logic-defying move.

Numba, one of the most sought-after local coaches, turned down a chance to join Zesco United – also a title contender – in preference to his former club that has stuttered even under the guidance of veteran trainer Wedson Nyirenda.

Zanaco sit precariously near the base in the table and face a real possibility of going to Division One for the first time since their promotion almost 40 years.

The bankers are perched 15th on the MTN Super League table with 17 points from 18 matches, having won only two matches, drawn 11, lost five, scored 17 goals and conceded 20.

Yet, driven by nostalgia, Numba has decided to be a bed-seater at the ailing team that is, in reality, comatose and requires more than his magic wand to be resuscitated.

He won two titles at Zanaco as an assistant before grabbing two more as head coach, in addition to a trophy laden playing career at the club he also captained.

That explains the attachment to and passion for the club that he needs to get out of the demotion rut.

Numba, who has signed a two and half year contract with his trusted right hand man Noel Mwandila, seems to have a formula up his sleeves to turn meekness into strength as seen when he joined a struggling Warriors two seasons ago.

Zanaco have maintained Dabid Chilufya who joined as consultant to Nyirenda before assuming the role of care-taker.

Chilufya has also been awarded a two and a half year contract to help Numba rebuild a formidable Zanaco back to its glory days.

Numba magnificently saved Warriors from relegation and turned them into a title contender this season, a year when the Confederation of African Football has raised financial stakes for club champions.

Warriors may now be in dire straits as Mumamba has left alongside Mwandila.

Zanaco FC chief executive officer Modest Hamalabbi who unveiled Numba this morning said it was not a new chapter but a continuation of a remarkable journey.

“As alluded to earlier, coach Numba is no stranger to Zanaco FC. As a player, he donned the famous red and black striped jersey with pride, contributing immensely to the club’s success, including lifting the Premier League trophy five times. As a coach, he has demonstrated his tactical brilliance and unwavering dedication by winning the Premier League four times – twice as assistant coach with Zanaco and twice as head coach with Zanaco and Zesco United,” Hamalabbi said.

He said Numba also won the Charity Shield trophy twice and the Absa/Barclays Cup once.

“Today, we are thrilled to have him return to guide us toward greater heights. Coach Numba will be supported by Noel Mwandila and Dabid Chilufya as assistant coaches. The three have signed contracts for two and half years. We believe the three, with the other assistant coaches, will work together and add value to the team,” Hamalabbi said.

Unveiled at the same occasion were two Copper Queens players Pauline Chisomo Zulu and Comfort Selemani who have joined Zanaco Ladies on three-year contracts from Elite Ladies.

“We are equally excited to introduce two phenomenal talents joining zanaco ladies: pauline chisomo zulu and comfort selemani,” Hamalabbi said.

He said the two who have represented the country at Under-17, Under-20, and the senior women national team, are have brought bring experience and skills to the team.

“Their addition is a testament to our commitment to strengthening and promoting women’s football. We are confident that they will inspire not just their teammates but an entire generation of young girls who dream of playing for this great club. We are confident that their addition will add value to the team,” Hamalabbi said.

He said the unveiling signifies more than new faces but renews Zanaco’s vision, mission, and commitment to football excellence.

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