Zesco United FC re-appointed George Lwandamina as their new head coach on Saturday, replacing Numba Mumamba, who was fired two months ago due to a spate of poor results.
Lwandamina was previously the head coach of another Super League team, Kabwe Warriors, where he only spent half a season.
The 59-year-old coach returns to Zesco United for the third time after winning four league titles and reaching the CAF Champions League semifinals in 2016.
However, the veteran coach’s appointment has divided Zesco United fans as to whether he is the right man to save the club.
The debate has raged on social media, with fans expressing their opposing viewpoints.
Some were disappointed with the appointment and questioned why Zesco United hired the same coach who failed to deliver at his previous club, Kabwe Warriors, where he only won one game in 16 matches, while others welcomed the appointment.
James Nyirenda wrote on Facebook, “I’m disappointed because the last time Chicken left the club, it was due to poor team performance; what has changed since then? This is the same coach who failed to deliver at Kabwe Warriors; I don’t expect him to deliver at Zesco United.”
Another one, Chikoma sakala said, “They don’t call him professor for nothing glory days are back at Zesco United FC under their most successful coach in the history of the club with four league titles and two Absa cups during his last stints with a caf champions league semifinal appearance in 2016 which is the best ever in the history of the club since 1974 who has joined them from Kabwe warriors FC on a three year deal with an option to extend.”
Remmy Mwale also wrote,“Ndiye kusila uku lomba Azesco namwe (Zesco is now finished). How do you pick on someone who is underperforming at his current club? From me no welcome, sorry”
Another fan, Jeff Chomwa Chindele, said, “Zambian clubs recycling coaches and you expect our football to go forward. It’s a circus.”
Charlie Mwila is among the fans opposing the appointment, he said: “He left because of underperforming and you bring back the same coach again why?Does he own the club?or may be you fail to find and pay better coaches out there? Am very disappointed.”
With that said, the Zesco United management hopes that George Lwandamina can match or better his previous record, which earned him the nickname “professor” from the majority of Zesco United fans who still hold him in high regard.
