SUN SPORTS writes
NATIONAL Team mid-fielder Bruce Musakanya has been unveiled at Zesco United Football Club, following a two-year loan deal from Red Arrows.
The signing adds to the number of local talent at the Ndola-based outfit that recently announced the graduation of several players from the Zesco United feeder teams.
Zesco United Chief Executive Officer Richard Mulenga disclosed that a shift in the club’s recruitment policy saw the developmental teams provide five of their best players for a week-long trial.
“This is in line with our policy to try and ensure that Zesco United is not purchasing players from other clubs but developing players from our own feeder clubs. There is Zesco Malaiti Rangers in Lusaka, Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zesco Shockers in Mongu, and teams from Solwezi and Luapula,” Mulenga said.
“We asked the coaching staff from these teams to send us five of their best players and our head coach is having a look at them with a view to getting the best for further development at Zesco United Football Club.”
According to information availed by Zesco United media officer Desmond Katongo the six players are eager to make their mark.
18-year-old Emmerson Kabwe, has been steadily developing at Zesco Malaiti Rangers. The budding young striker is elated to be given a chance to develop under the main team.
“I am happy to be among the six players who have been selected to train with the main team. I need to work hard and remain disciplined because I have a big chance.”
Thomas Mubita, Zesco Victoria Falls attacking midfielder is another exciting player who has impressed the Z technical bench.
The 18-year-old player is among a handful of players who have managed to progress to the Zesco United main team.
“I am very happy that I was chosen to remain here because I showcased what I had and I must now prove that I can do it. There are so many people who are behind me and looking up to me, so I have to prove my worth.
I think this has given me a big opportunity to play alongside big names such as Sabumukama, Tafadzwa Rusike, so that I can develop into a better footballer.”
Like Kabwe, Gilbert Tembo has developed the art of the game at Zesco Malaiti Rangers. As a nascent defender, Tembo is thrilled at the prospects of playing alongside some of the finest players in the game.
“I am very much excited to be here and to be chosen among the 32 players. It wasn’t easy to be among the best six. The biggest challenge I have now is to work extra hard and show the technical bench that I can play for the main team.”
Others who have been selected are Willard Nkausu from Zesco Malaiti Rangers, Victor Chanda and Mutale Sangwani from the Zesco United youth team.