Nkana Legend Simon Kaluba Chipepo Passes Away at 99
The football community is mourning the loss of Nkana FC legend Simon Kaluba Chipepo, who passed away at the age of 99 in Kitwe. Chipepo, the father of Power Dynamos coach Mwenya Chipepo, died on a Saturday morning at Kitwe Teaching Hospital after being admitted on the previous Thursday.
Born in 1924, Simon Kaluba Chipepo was among the first black footballers to play for Rhokana United, which is now known as Nkana Football Club. He achieved his peak performance in the 1950s and graced Scrivener Stadium in Wusakile, Kitwe, which was later renamed Nkana Stadium.
Chipepo was affectionately known as “Malamba,” which means “mine train,” due to his incredible speed on the field. He primarily played as a left back and retired from active play in 1969.
Following his retirement as a player, Chipepo contributed his knowledge to the young Nkana academy as part of the technical staff. This academy nurtured talents like Fred Mwila Senior and the late Hurbert Chime.
Chipepo also had a career in the mines under ZCCM, retiring in 1979. He lived in Kitwe’s Ndeke-Changachanga Township. The football community fondly remembers him for his contributions to the sport.
