Forest Rangers head coach Ian Bakala says the recent signings will stiffen competition in the upcoming 2023–24 football season.
Four players, including midfielder Jack Chirwa from Green Buffaloes Football Club, have just been signed by Fole Malembe. The tall midfielder has signed a one-year loan agreement.
The other players are Felix Banda, on a one-year loan from Napsa Stars, with defender Cletus Mulolani and winger Obed Masumbuko joining from Power Dynamos and Nkana, respectively.
Bakala believes the additions will increase competition in the squad for the upcoming season, adding that the players recruited are of ‘high quality’.
“With the guys we have brought in, this season will be a new ballgame,” said Bakala. “I think we have got talent now, looking at the young players. The only senior player we have recruited is Jack Chirwa; the rest are young. It is going to be better for the team this season.”
Forest to face Dynamos in a Charity Shield match
The 2023 Absa Cup-winning coach has also hinted at further signings before the start of the season.
This time, he said, “every position is fixed, and it looks good. Competition is also high, which I think is how the team should be.”
Despite this, he continued, “I believe that 99% of the issues are resolved. We may face a problem in one position or so. I believe that this team is strong,”
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Forest Rangers will kick start their season with a Charity Shield clash against Power Dynamos Football Club on Saturday afternoon at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
