Charles Zulu returns as Numba names 18 for Eagles showdown

By Lucky Mwewa Chama | June 14, 2019

Sensational Zanaco Football Club coach Numba Mumamba on has named a 18-man squad for the ABSA Cup Semi-final match against Green Eagles billed for Nkoloma Stadium tomorrow (Saturday).

Zanaco have been given a huge boost by the return of Charles Zulu who put in a Man of the Match performance when the Bankers first laid their hands on the Barclays (now Absa) trophy, the only Zambian Cup Competition in 2017 when they beat Napsa Stars 2-1 at Lusaka’s Heroes Stadium.

Charles Zulu is returning to the Bankers squad for the first time since September 15, 2018 when he was stretched off in the 36th minute after he was fouled by Green Buffaloes’ defender Stephen in a Super League encounter at Sunset Stadium.

During the 2017 Barclays Cup Final against Napsa Stars, Zulu played a vital role and won Zanaco a penalty in the 84th minute when he was brought down by Derrick Mwansa who was then playing for Napsa Stars before producing another magical moment in extra time. Zulu turned provider when he crossed in for veteran Isaac Chansa to finish off Napsa and hand the bankers their first Absa Cup.

Following last season’s shock exit to Young Green Buffaloes in the Quarter-Finals, Numba has kept faith in his squad which includes Barclays Cup 2017 Player of the Tournament, Felix Nyaende.


Nyaende was instrumental in ensuring that Zanaco won the competition, scoring the lone goal in the semi-final encounter against Lusaka Dynamos and converting from the spot in the final when Charles Zulu was brought down in the box. The former Power Dynamos striker will be hoping to replicate his form tomorrow when the Bankers take on Eagles.

In the goalkeeping area, Numba has called upon the services of first choice goalminder Toaster Nsabata and Zambia Under 23 first choice goalkeeper Mangani Banda. Both goalkeepers will fancy their chances to start in tomorrow’s encounter and the technical bench will have to decide on who gets the nod.

The defense has not seen changes but will need to be ready for the task as they take on Green Eagles. Former Mighty Mufulira Wanderers defender Taonga Bwembya will be called upon with the likes of Peter Kalota, former Nkwazi defender Kevin Owusu, Patient Ikamba and Peter Banda to keep the defense solid.

In the middle of the pack and for wide play, the returning wing wizard Charles Zulu, Zimbabwe international Tafadzwa Rusike, COSAFA winning winger Ernest Mbewe, U23 defensive pillar Boyd Musonda, Congolese attacker Guily Manziba, Kelvin Kapumbu, Christone Jere, and captain Romaric Pitroipa will all be hopeful of a starting berth in the first starting line-up against Eagles.

In the striking force, the Bankers will miss the services of Roger Kola and Chitiya Mususu who picked up a knock during training. Both Kola and Mususu scored crucial goals for Zanaco to qualify to the Absa Cup during the Transitional Season.

However, Coach Numba and the technical bench will be counting on the experience of Felix Nyaende for goals, with options being offered by the likes of former Buildcon striker Maisha Chavda and Martin Phiri.

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