Wedson Nyirenda Resigns as Zanaco Head Coach
In a significant development for the Zambian Premier League, Zanaco FC has announced the departure of head coach Wedson Nyirenda following a challenging season start. Despite high expectations, Zanaco has managed only one victory in eleven games, placing them in a precarious league position. Nyirenda’s exit comes on the back of a series of frustrating draws and losses, leading the club to take decisive action after an underwhelming performance.
The official statement from Zanaco FC, released on November 12, 2024, expressed gratitude for Nyirenda’s contributions, particularly his role in keeping the club competitive last season. However, the club’s current struggles required a fresh approach. First Assistant Coach Dabid Chilufya has stepped up as interim head coach, while Henry Banda and Kennedy Kalale continue in their roles as assistant and goalkeepers coach, respectively, ensuring stability as Zanaco recalibrates.
Zanaco’s Season at a Glance
Week 1: Indeni 0-2 Zanaco FC
Zanaco opened the season with a promising 2-0 away victory over Indeni. This strong start gave fans hope that the team could build momentum early in the season. The squad demonstrated solid teamwork and efficiency, capitalizing on key opportunities while maintaining a solid defense to secure a clean sheet.
Week 2: Zanaco 1-1 Forest Rangers
In their first home game, Zanaco was held to a 1-1 draw by Forest Rangers. Despite taking an early lead, the team couldn’t hold onto it, allowing Forest Rangers to equalize later in the match. The draw hinted at potential vulnerabilities, as Zanaco struggled to close out the game against determined opponents.
Week 3: Zanaco FC 0-1 Atletico Lusaka FC
Zanaco’s struggles continued with a narrow 0-1 defeat to Atletico Lusaka. The team couldn’t find the back of the net despite multiple attempts, while Atletico took advantage of Zanaco’s lapses in concentration. This loss highlighted Zanaco’s need for a stronger attack to maintain their standing in the league.
Week 4: Green Buffaloes 2-1 Zanaco FC
Facing Green Buffaloes, Zanaco fought hard but fell short with a 2-1 loss. The match exposed defensive gaps as the team allowed Buffaloes to score twice. Although Zanaco managed to score once, it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback, leaving fans concerned about the team’s ability to contend with top sides.
Week 5: Zanaco FC 1-1 Power Dynamos
In a tightly contested match against Power Dynamos, Zanaco managed to secure a 1-1 draw. While the result was an improvement, the team again struggled to find a second goal to clinch a win. Zanaco’s offense showed glimpses of promise, but consistency remained an issue.
Week 6: FC MUZA 2-2 Zanaco FC
Traveling to FC MUZA, Zanaco battled to a 2-2 draw in an intense back-and-forth game. Zanaco’s attacking unit showed improvement, managing to score twice. However, defensive lapses allowed MUZA to equalize each time, preventing Zanaco from securing three points.
Week 7: Zanaco FC 0-2 Kabwe Warriors
Zanaco faced a tough challenge against Kabwe Warriors, suffering a 0-2 defeat. Kabwe’s defense stifled Zanaco’s attack, preventing them from registering a single goal. This loss added to Zanaco’s frustration, as they failed to leverage their home advantage.
Week 8: Lumwana Radiants 0-0 Zanaco FC
In a low-scoring affair, Zanaco and Lumwana Radiants played to a 0-0 draw. Despite controlling possession for much of the game, Zanaco couldn’t break down Lumwana’s resilient defense. The match underscored Zanaco’s ongoing struggle to convert chances into goals.
Week 9: Zanaco FC 1-1 Mutondo Stars
Returning home, Zanaco was once again held to a 1-1 draw, this time by Mutondo Stars. While Zanaco managed to score first, they couldn’t maintain their lead, allowing Mutondo to equalize. It was another frustrating result, as Zanaco’s inability to close out games continued to plague them.
Week 10: Zesco United 0-0 Zanaco FC
Zanaco faced league heavyweights Zesco United and managed to hold them to a 0-0 draw. While the defense impressed, keeping a clean sheet against a strong team, Zanaco’s attack remained lackluster, leaving fans yearning for more offensive firepower.
Week 11: Zanaco 0-1 Napsa Stars
In their most recent game, Zanaco suffered a 0-1 defeat to Napsa Stars. The narrow loss extended their winless streak, as Zanaco couldn’t muster a goal and ultimately conceded a crucial one to Napsa. This loss proved to be the final blow, leading to Head Coach Wedson Nyirenda’s resignation.
Summary of Zanaco’s Season So Far
After eleven matches, Zanaco has only one win, six draws, and four losses. With just eight goals scored and eleven conceded, the team is struggling on both ends of the pitch. This underwhelming performance culminated in Nyirenda’s departure, and the team will be looking for new leadership under interim head coach Dabid Chilufya to turn the season around.
