Zanaco Football Club has officially announced the resignation of head coach Wedson Nyirenda, following a difficult start to their MTN/FAZ Super League season.

The Bankers, who are currently in the relegation zone after winning just one of their first 11 games, are hoping for a turnaround following Nyirenda’s departure.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the club thanked Nyirenda for his role in ensuring Zanaco’s league status last season.

“Zanaco Football Club wishes to inform all stakeholders that Head Coach Wedson Nyirenda has chosen to resign from his role,” the statement read, noting Nyirenda’s departure as a mutual decision in light of recent results.

Nyirenda’s struggles this season stand in stark contrast to the optimism that surrounded his appointment last year.

Taking over at Sunset Stadium in April 2023, Nyirenda was initially brought in to rescue the club from relegation after the exits of Kelvin Kaindu and consultant Emmanuel Amuneke. He achieved that mission, securing Zanaco’s place in the league, and was rewarded with a full-time role in July 2023, signing a two-year contract.

However, expectations for a more competitive campaign in 2024/25 fell short as the Bankers managed just one victory, a 2-0 win over newly promoted Indeni FC on the opening day. Since then, they have drawn six games and lost four, languishing in the bottom three of the standings.

With the team’s form slipping, the club hired former assistant coach Dabid Chilufya as a consultant coach in October, with a contract running until December of this year.

Following Nyirenda’s departure, Chilufya has been appointed interim head coach for the transition period. Zanaco has confirmed that Chilufya will lead the team, with assistance from assistant coach Henry Banda and goalkeeper coach Kennedy Kalale.