Zesco United have dominated Zambian football over the past two decades, winning nine league titles and several domestic cups, often under the guidance of high-profile, established coaches.
However, their fortunes have declined in recent years, with the club yet to lift the league title since 2021. This season, they are 24 points behind the leaders, Power Dynamos, and it is highly unlikely that they will end their league drought.
Zesco currently sit 12th with 28 points. A run of three straight losses in February saw the club fire Emmanuel Siwale.
Following ’s departure, the club has taken an unfamiliar turn in its choice of coach, handing the reins to Winstone Kalengo, an inexperienced figure at the coaching level, but a revered club and Super League legend.
Like earlier in Siwale’s time, Kalengo has been appointed in an interim capacity until a permanent replacement is found.
The question now is: what direction should Zesco United take? Should they return to the tried and tested route of appointing a headline name, or, for once, place their faith in Kalengo as they seek to rediscover their lost mojo?
Mweetwa backs Kalengo
Former Zesco striker Nchimunya Mweetwa has told Bolanews in an interview that the club should seriously support Kalengo in his role.
“They just have to support him, just like they do with the others. In my view, there are no young or old coaches in football. If one has the qualifications, then he/she must be given an opportunity to lead.
“Kalengo knows the club very well, and it’s just prudent to give him all the necessary support because at the end of the day, it’s Zesco United and not Kalengo. We all want to see Zesco perform better every season,” Mweetwa said.
It may still be early days for Kalengo, but in his first two matches, he has recorded one win and one loss. The victory came against Nchanga Rangers, a side coached by his former mentor, George Lwandamina, a Zesco icon in his own right.
Should the club consider handing him a permanent contract, not merely on the basis of those two results, but as part of a deliberate shift in direction?
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