I cannot think of a more competitive field than that of football coaching. Success often comes at the expense of a colleague’s misfortune. It’s a high-stakes profession where one’s triumph hinges on another’s setback.
With the Super League in hibernation, some coaches are devising strategies for the 2024–24 season, while others are looking over the shoulder for who might be contending for their job.
For coaches, job security is a myth; thus, even those who are perceived to have had a successful season might find themselves close to the exit door.
To all the Super League coaches out there, I have compiled a list of some coaches in the hunt for the next job. Here’s a closer look at the coaches on the lookout for their next tenure.
Aggrey Chiyangi
It is exactly a year since Nchanga Rangers removed Chiyangi from their payroll following a 3-1 loss to Zesco United in the 2022–23 season.
The Chingola side replaced Chiyangi with his predecessor, Robert Tembo, who failed to keep the team afloat that season but has now managed to earn them promotion in the just-ended campaign.
Chiyangi whose biggest success on the local front is guiding Green Eagles to continental football, remains a marketable trainer despite having coached 27 percent of the teams in the upcoming season.
Dan Kabwe
Kabwe last coached in 2022 at Malawi Central Bank’s sponsored Silver Strikers. Having been on the sidelines for the last two years, Kabwe has definitely recharged his batteries.
A holder of the much-treasured UEFA – B coaching badge, Kabwe is no stranger to the Super League. He is a league winner with Zanaco and has previously drilled Power Dynamos and Lusaka Dynamos.
For clubs looking for an experienced trainer, you don’t have to look beyond Luanshya, Kabwe’s current base.
Honour Janza
In the last few years, Janza has had to juggle administrative and coaching jobs. After his role as technical director and acting CEO at Napsa Stars, Janza coached Tanzanian side Namungo before taking up the technical director job at Zesco United.
On Friday, he announced his Zesco departure.
There is no questioning Janza’s qualifications and knowledge of the game. If in doubt, ask those that have passed through his hands as their instructor.
However, most people remain unconvinced about Janza’s prowess or lack of it on the touchline. His last Super League coaching job at Arrows was uninspiring, Perhaps now is the time to prove people wrong,
Oh! Wait a minute; he has to find a club first.
Justin Chinama
On April 4, Mufulira Wanderers parted ways with coach Justin Chinama. The decision came shortly after April Fools’ Day, perhaps deliberately delayed to avoid any misconceptions that the announcement might be a prank.
Chinama, formerly of Eagles and Buffaloes would be interested in returning next season.
Alex Namazaba
After working as an assistant for most part of his coaching career, Namazaba had a brief spell as head coach at Eagles before he was relieved of his duties following a slump in performance.
Now, as someone who has tasted the heat of being the head coach, Namazaba is ready to jump into another fire when the season starts. The question remains: Which club will take that gamble?
Others:
Zambia is not short of trainers, other coaches are out of jobs or passing some time at a lower side, they will certainly be on the lookout for that Super League job.
Those that come to mind are Donwell Yobe, who was sacked by Kansanshi Dynamos today, Dabid Chilufya, Albert Kachinga, and Charles Bwale, among others.
It’s remarkable that Chris Kaunda’s name almost slipped my mind. How can I forget a man who holds the record of being the shortest-serving Super League coach?
