John Kampamba, a 75-year-old groundskeeper from Mufulira district, has earned the moniker “John Shinde” as a result of his commitment to service at Shinde, the stadium for the Mighty Mufulira Wanderers FC.
Kampamba began working at the iconic Shinde stadium in 1984 while working for Mpelembe properties under the Konkola copper mines.
Due to his commitment, Wanderers hired him as a permanent groundskeeper in 1988. This came after he was laid off at Mpelembe Properties, and he has been with them ever since.
“I used to work for Mpelembe Properties, which was maintaining this stadium. But in 1988, they laid off workers, and I was one of them, so Wanderers employed me,” Kampamba told BolaNews.
“I have been working here since 1984; I clean the surroundings and paint the markings on the pitch. I have been doing this for the last 39 years.”
His routine at the 61-year-old stadium includes lawn mowing, sweeping, and ensuring the marks on the pitch are visible.
On matchday, John Shinde, as he is known to the locals, arrives at work early. He, along with his other groundskeepers, ensures the VIP area on the terraces and the changing rooms are clean.
To the Wanderers’ management, Shinde Stadium would not be complete without him, which is why the locals call him “John Shinde,” a moniker he has adopted as his real name.
“We are very grateful to the man for his unwavering service to the club. It’s not easy,” said the club’s secretary general, Mumba Mwila.
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Mumba added: “He stood with the club even when the club was not doing so well, both on the pitch and financially.”
“But the man has been faithful and loyal to the club; only words can’t describe how grateful we are to the old man.”
Kampamba is a full-time employee at the club on an undisclosed salary. He said his wish as he continues to be one of the club’s groundskeepers is to see his beloved Maite be mighty again in Zambian football.
