During the 2025 summer transfer window, several Zambian stars have switched clubs, embarking on fresh adventures for the new campaign. From defensive kingpins to prolific forwards, a host of Chipolopolo players will be showcasing their abilities and skills elsewhere.
As we draw the curtains on the current transfer window, BolaNews rates the transfers of foreign-based Zambian stars based on whether they are a move in the right direction (HIT) or a backward step (MISS).
Frankie Musonda (Ayr United to Bahrain SC)
After running short of promotion to the Scottish Premiership last season, Frankie Musonda and Ayr United decided to part ways in the summer. Having remained clubless for a couple of months, the Zambian centre half signed for Bahrain SC in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The Bahrain topflight ranks 16th in Asia as per Footy Stats, significantly trailing common player destinations like Saudi Arabia (1st), Qatar (6th) and China (8th).
Musonda, himself, has looked quite rusty and unconvincing in his first two outings for the club, shipping in seven goals. One might be tempted to assume that the move was more about the financial incentives than the quality of football.
VERDICT: MISS
Kennedy Musonda (Yanga SC to Hapoel Ramat Gan)
Kennedy Musonda’s final season at Young Africans SC was loaded with silverware as he won the Tanzanian Premier League, Federation Cup and Tanzanian Community Shield. However, the striker only started six games throughout the entire season, scoring four goals.
He then sought greener pastures, joining Hapoel Ramat Gan in the Israeli second tier. Less than two months after making his debut, Musonda has netted four goals and started six matches.
VERDICT: HIT
Miguel Changa Chaiwa (BSC Young Boys to Hibernian)
Given his technical ability and football IQ, Chaiwa is the type of player you want to see out on the pitch every weekend dictating the tempo of the game. His time at BSC Young Boys, however, did not work out as such.
At the start of the 2025-26 season, the playmaker was unveiled as a Hibernian FC player, joining the Scottish side from the Swiss giants. With more minutes under his belt, Chaiwa might benefit from the physicality and pace of British football, becoming an all-round midfielder.
VERDICT: HIT
Francisco Mwepu (Cadiz CF to Atletico Sanluqueno)
A moment of déjà vu for Francisco Mwepu, who was loaned to Spanish third tier side Atletico Sanluqueno from Cadiz CF this window, just as in 2023. The 25 year old was expected to be competing for a place in the Cadiz CF first team but has now been relegated to a stage in his career from which he had already progressed.
VERDICT: MISS
Kingstone Mutandwa (Cagliari Calcio to SV Ried)
Starved of minutes at Cagliari Calcio, Kingstone Mutandwa joined SV Ried in the Austrian Bundesliga. Moving straight from the Zambian second tier to the Italian Serie A when he signed for Cagliari from Atletico Lusaka in 2024 was a very huge leap. Getting exposure in Austria can build the confidence and momentum he needs to perform in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
VERDICT: HIT
Emmanuel Banda (Al Tai to Maccabi Bney Reine)
Emmanuel Banda’s move from the Croatian topflight to the Saudi Arabian second tier last year raised a few eyebrows among fans and pundits. Following the end of his contract in the Middle East, the midfielder returned to Europe on the books of Maccabi Bney Reine in the Israeli Premier League. Banda now gets to compete with compatriots Kings Kangwa and Songa Chipyoka.
VERDICT: HIT
Rodrick Kabwe (Al Gharraf SC to Al Ramadi SC)
In the 2024-25 campaign, Rodrick Kabwe starred for Al Gharraf SC, helping them earn promotion to the Iraqi Stars League with two goals and eight clean sheets in 20 starts. However, the versatile defender could not extend with the club and remained in the second tier with Al Ramadi SC ahead of the 2025-26 season.
VERDICT: MISS
Joseph Sabobo Banda (FC Ziruch to Hapoel Be’er Sheva)
Like Chaiwa, Joseph Sabobo Banda’s choice to leave Switzerland in search of more playing time looked like the right move initially. The Zambian wonderkid was earmarked to flourish playing alongside Kings Kangwa at Hapoel Be’er Sheva. However, this has not been the case. Banda has not played a single league game for the Israeli giants, defeating the whole purpose of his FC Zurich exit.
VERDICT: MISS
Clatous Chama (Yanga SC to Singida Black Stars)
While many anticipated Clatous Chama’s return to ZESCO United or Power Dynamos after leaving Young Africans SC, he opted to join Singida Black Stars. The midfielder has still maintained the calibre of competitions he played in at Simba SC and Yanga SC, as Singida Black Stars are currently competing in the CAF Confederations Cup. Chama already has three goals and a Kagame Cup to his name at his new home.
VERDICT: HIT
Benson Sakala (Mlada Boleslav to Bohemians Praha)
Alongside Lameck Banda, Benson Sakala is the only Zambian currently playing in one of Europe’s top ten leagues. He left Mlada Boleslav to join another Czech First League outfit, Bohemians Praha 1905.
VERDICT: HIT
Peter Chikola (Cadiz B to Linares Deportivo)
At Cadiz B, Peter Chikola still had a chance opportunity to break into Cadiz’s first team. But his move to Linares Deportivo in the Segunda Federación has all but ended those ambitions.
VERDICT: MISS
Ghampani Lungu (Supersport United to Siwelele)
Ghampani Lungu is one of the few Zambian players that has been a mainstay in the South African topflight in recent years. Following Supersport United’s departure from the South African Premier Division, the midfielder now represents Siwelele FC.
VERDICT: HIT
READ ALSO: Frankie Musonda Breaks Silence on Move to Bahrain SC in the Middle East
