Francis Emmanuel Banda has steadily established himself as one of the most creative and influential attacking midfielders in Zambian football. Currently turning out for Kabwe Warriors Football Club in the MTN Super League, Banda has earned widespread recognition for his vision, technical ability, and decisive impact in the final third.
A versatile attacker capable of operating both centrally and from the left wing, Banda’s rise has been defined by consistent development, adaptability, and standout performances at club level. His journey from grassroots football to becoming a fan favourite at Kabwe Warriors highlights a career shaped by discipline, talent, and ambition.
Francis Emmanuel Banda Profile
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Full Name: Francis Emmanuel Banda
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Date of Birth: 16 January 1999
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Place of Birth: Nyakatembo, Zambia
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Nationality: Zambian
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Current Club: Kabwe Warriors FC
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League: MTN Super League
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Squad Number: 17
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Position: Attacking Midfielder
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Alternative Position: Left Winger
Early Life and Football Development
Born in Nyakatembo, Francis Banda’s football journey began at grassroots level with Mutendere Giant in Kafue, where his natural flair and technical ability were evident from an early age. His performances earned him a place at the Chilanga Soccer School of Excellence Academy, one of Zambia’s respected football development institutions.
Banda spent six formative years at the academy, receiving structured technical and tactical training that laid the foundation for his professional career. This period played a key role in shaping his understanding of the game, positional discipline, and attacking instincts.
Club Career
Chilanga Stars: Senior Breakthrough
Banda made his senior football breakthrough with Chilanga Stars, where he quickly adapted to the demands of competitive football. His attacking instincts were on full display during the 2018 season, finishing as the club’s top scorer with 12 goals — a performance that marked him as one of the most promising young attackers at the time.
Kanfinsa Police Blue Eagles (Loan)
In 2019, Banda joined Kanfinsa Police Blue Eagles on a six-month loan spell. The move provided him with valuable first-team exposure, helping him mature tactically and physically as he continued his transition into professional football.
City of Lusaka: Consistency and Silverware (2019–2021)
Later in 2019, Banda signed for City of Lusaka Football Club, where he enjoyed a productive spell across two seasons. Deployed in both central and wide attacking roles, he became a regular contributor in league and cup competitions.
During his time at the club, Banda:
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Won the 2021 Provincial Cup
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Finished as club top assist provider
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Ended the season as second top scorer
These performances further enhanced his reputation as a reliable creative force.
ZESCO United: Top-Level Exposure
In January 2022, Banda earned a move to ZESCO United FC, one of Zambia’s most successful clubs. Competing in a high-performance environment, he featured in domestic league and cup competitions, gaining experience in a title-challenging setup that demanded tactical discipline and consistency.
Kabwe Warriors: Becoming a Key Figure
Banda joined Kabwe Warriors FC in January 2023 on an initial six-month loan deal. His creativity, work rate, and attacking contributions quickly made him an important member of the squad, prompting the club to secure his services on a permanent basis.
The 2024/25 MTN Super League season proved to be a defining campaign. Banda finished as Kabwe Warriors’ club top scorer, an impressive achievement for a midfielder, and was voted ZPL Fans’ Player of the Year, underlining his influence and popularity.
Playing Style and Strengths
Francis Banda is a technically gifted attacking midfielder known for his ability to dictate play in advanced areas. His strengths include:
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Excellent vision and chance creation
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Close ball control and dribbling
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Pace and acceleration, especially in wide areas
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Strong tactical awareness
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High work rate and pressing ability
His positional versatility allows him to adapt to different tactical systems, making him a valuable asset in modern attacking setups.
Honours and Achievements
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Kabwe Warriors FC Club Top Scorer: 2024/25
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ZPL Fans’ Player of the Year: 2024/25
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Provincial Cup Winner (City of Lusaka): 2021
Francis Banda’s Growing Influence in Zambian Football
At 26, Francis Emmanuel Banda continues to grow as one of the MTN Super League’s most effective attacking midfielders. His progression from academy football to becoming a central figure at Kabwe Warriors reflects both his dedication and technical quality.
With consistent performances and increasing maturity, Banda remains a player to watch in Zambian football with the potential for greater domestic success and future opportunities beyond the local league.
