- Recruit 3 players from Atletico Lusaka, one from Kabwe Warriors
NDINAWE SIMPELWE
Ndola
SUPER League side Nkana wasted little time in the transfer market after being removed from the list of clubs under a FIFA transfer ban, unveiling four new signings from Atletico Lusaka and Kabwe Warriors.
Nkana confirmed arrivals of defender Simon Chipanama and midfielders Francis “Bubu” Mutalange and Abel Kanyamuna from National League side Atletico, while striker Jackson Kampamba joins from Warriors.
All the four have been handed two-and-a-half-year contracts. The signings come a few days after Nkana regained the ability to register players following the lifting of the transfer restrictions that had plunged the club into struggles on the pitch.
Chief executive officer Mwansa Kapyanga described the four as the right material to contribute positively towards regaining the lost glory.
Leading the arrivals is former Atletico captain Kanyamuna, a 24-year-old midfielder, who brings European experience after spells with Portuguese side CD Trofense and Italian club Cagliari where he featured for the under-17 and under-19 teams and received call-ups to the senior squad. “Abel is a player with an impressive football background and exposure to different football environments.
Beyond his ability on the pitch, he has demonstrated leadership qualities throughout his career, including captaining Atletico Lusaka,” Kapyanga said in a statement issued yesterday by club media and communications manager Mike Mubanga.
The club also secured the services of 24-year-old centreback Chipanama, whom Kapyanga said is a player the technical bench had tracked for some time.
“Simon is a player we have monitored closely and we believe he possesses the qualities required to succeed at Nkana Football Club. As a defender, he brings strength, discipline and commitment, attributes that are important for the direction we are taking as a club,” he said.
Mutalange, 22, completes the triple swoop from Atletico, with Kapyanga saying the player has the energy and technical qualities to strengthen Nkana. Kampamba, who is younger brother of Nkana striker Ronald, joins from Warriors after a stint with Mutondo Stars.
Ronald was persuaded out of retirement by former Nkana coach Mwenya Chipepo last year.
Last season, Nkana, the 13-time Super League recordholders, finished on 13th position with 39 points, 39 behind bitter rivals Power Dynamos, who were crowned champions for the ninth time.
Others with nine crowns are Mufulira Wanderers and Zesco United.
