Bolanews looks back at the 10 best signings made in the 2022/23 Zambian Super League season.
Andy Boyile ( Power Dynamos)
He arrived at Power Dynamos with a big reputation and big hype to live up to and he certainly did just that
Most pundits have described the Congolese striker as the title-winning signing after joining the Kitwe-based side from Chambishi F.C., where he had scored six goals as a direct replacement for Kennedy Musonda, who left for Tanzanian champions Yanga F.C.
He made 13 appearances and scored 12 goals with 4 assists for the Champions which saw him emerge as the league’s top scorer and player of the season.
With the CAF Champions League coming up next, Boyile is even expected to get better and there is no doubt he is one of the best signings in the just-ended season.
Denis Nya ( Zesco United)
After a poor start of the season, in January Zesco United decided to reinforce their squad and brought in Nigerian defender Denis Nya from Akwa United in the Nigerian top flight.
The central defender established himself as a key member of the Ndola-based side’s defense and consistently delivered strong performances in all games, which saw Zesco United finish third in the League standings despite a poor start.
One of his major attributes is that he can also score goals and this season he managed to register one goal for himself against Nchanga Rangers
Arthur Muleya ( Green Buffaloes)
Muleya joined Green Buffaloes from Kafue Celtic Football Club and formed a solid partnership with Moonga Chilimba.
He remained consistent throughout the season as he managed to make 34 league appearances. He also featured in the ABSA Cup quarter-final against Forest Rangers
Muleya’s influence was always notable whenever he was on the pitch as he is a ball-playing defender and always maintained his discipline which saw GBFC finish fourth in the League standings.
Cephas Mulombwa ( Forest Rangers)
Cephas Mulombwa joined Forest Rangers from Kabwe Warriors in the January transfer window.
Mulombwa made an instant impact on his new club, bringing in the much-needed creativity in the team which saw him emerge as the top scorer in the ABSA Cup with three goals to help Forest Rangers won the cup.
Owen Tembo ( Power Dynamos)
Despite coming from Konkola Blades, a team that was relegated, Tembo was always a standout player for the Champions. He was one of the perfect signings by Aba Yellow.
The midfielder was a regular starter this season and contributed massively to Power Dynamos’ league-winning campaign.
Frederick Mwimanzi ( Napsa Stars)
Mwimanzi was a solid defensive player for the Napsa stars after joining the Pensioners on loan from the Green Buffaloes.
Apart from carrying out his defensive duties, Mwimanzi was also able to score goals for the Pensioners. He emerged as the highest-scoring defender this season in the league with six goals.
The signing of Mwimanzi looked impressive from the very start, as he was able to offer a rare attribute of experience and an intelligent style of play
Justin Shonga ( Nkwazi)
Justin Shonga always stood out for Nkwazi this season. Despite the team fighting relegation, he was always instrumental in getting the much-needed goals
He was involved in 17 of Nkwazi’s 31 goals this season. In total, the former Orlando Pirates attacker found the back of the net ten times.
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Shongo was also Nkwazi’s second player to score ten goals in a single season. Keegan Phiri was the only player in the club’s history to score 15 goals in a single season.
Zikiru Adams ( Napsa Stars)
The Ghanaian striker had an immediate impact on the side as he scored five goals in 6 appearances.
Following his contribution to the team, Napsa rocketed up the table, propelling them from relegation contenders to a top-five finish.
David Kabala Mukonkole ( Nkana)
He joined the 13-time champions in January from the Congolese side, JS Groupe Bazano, as a direct replacement for Alex Bazo Ngonga, who left for TP Mazemba.
The Congolese striker lived up to the hype and had an instant impact on the Kitwe-based.
He made 10 appearances and scored 6 goals with 2 assists.
Moonga Ndala ( F.C MUZA )
He had so much impact and played a key role for the FC MUZA side that finished second in the league. Arguably one of the best signings this season.
The Congolese shot-stopper played a crucial role in their campaign, as the Mazabuka side went on to an unbeaten home record middle-way through the season thanks to his heroic saves.