A new year means a new beginning, particularly for football stars whose careers have fallen off. A number of Chipolopolo stars, who were earmarked for greatness, have struggled in recent times.
BolaNews delves into the list of six Zambian players who will be aiming to rejuvenate their football careers as we start a new year.
Francisco Mwepu (Atletico Sanluqueno, on loan from Cadiz CF).
In May 2023, Francisco Mwepu etched his name into the history books by becoming the first Zambian to play in the Spanish La Liga after making a substitute appearance against Villarreal CF.
He has, however, endured a tough time since, hardly starting for Cadiz CF in the second tier before suffering a season-ending injury in the business end of the 2024-25 campaign.
The striker has spent half of his season-long loan at third-tier outfit Atletico Sanluqueno on the sidelines. He will be hoping to make a full recovery from his knee injury this year and get among the goals at the club; he once scored six goals in the space of a fortnight.
Golden Mafwenta (Free Agent)
With his strength, stamina, and ability to control the tempo of the game, Golden Mafwenta is one of the most promising Zambian midfielders.
He was part of the Chipolopolo squad that made a long-awaited return to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2024.
The playmaker was a key player for FC Metalist 1925 last season, helping them reach the playoffs for Ukrainian top-flight promotion, having made 16 appearances.
However, Mafwenta became a free agent in 2025 after his loan spell in Ukraine came to an end as his parent club MFK Vyskov surrendered its Czech National Football League professional license.
The 24-year-old is currently training in Zambia and will strive to sign for a top club this transfer window.
Joshua Mutale (Simba SC)
Mutale was one of the best players in the Zambian Super League at Power Dynamos FC, leaving defenders in his wake with his dribbling skill and creative moments.
Simba SC then snapped him up from the Kitwe-based giants in 2024 after he impressed in a CAF Champions League meeting between the two sides.
His debut season in Tanzania did not go according to plan, as he was heavily criticized and ridiculed by Simba SC fans due to subpar performances. However, the fans warmed up to him in the business end of the last season as he sprang into life.
In 2026, he will be looking to revive his career and become a crucial player for Simba SC.
Mannah Chiwisa (Free Agent)
Chiwisa’s inclusion in Zambia’s provisional squad for the 2023 AFCON marked a milestone in his career. The youngster was playing for Italian Serie A side Atalanta BC at the time.
Due to lack of playing time, Chiwisa was sent on loan to Union Clodiense Chioggia in the Serie C, where he played nine league matches.
At the end of the 2024-25 season, the midfielder became a free agent after leaving Atalanta. He will aim to get his career going again in 2026.
Aime Mabika (Rhode Island)
Once on the books of a now Lionel Messi-inspired Inter Miami, Mabika now features for USL Championship outfit Rhode Island. Prior to joining Rhode Island, the towering defender marshalled in defense for MLS side FC Toronto.
He made his debut for the Zambian national team during an international friendly vs. Congo in 2022 but has not played for the Chipolopolo Boys since, owing to naturalization issues and club form.
Mabika gave a good account of himself at Rhode Island last year, keeping 11 shutouts in 24 matches en route to the USL Championship playoff finals. This prompted the club to renew the defender’s contract.
Emmanuel Mwanza (Kafue Celtic)
His flair, creativity, technical ability, and decisive moments in front of the goal made Mwanza one of the standout players at the U17 and U20 levels for the Zambian national team.
Following his surprising omission from Zambia’s 2025 U20 AfCON squad, the forward disappeared from the spotlight. His loan spells at NAPSA Stars FC and Nkana FC did not bear fruit. Now back at parent club Kafue Celtic.
READ ALSO: Six Zambian players set to become free agents.
