Racha Kola Retires: Zanaco FC Legend Ends 22-Year Career
Zanaco Football Club’s veteran goalkeeper Racha Kola announced his retirement in May 2025 after an extraordinary 22-year playing career. The 37-year-old ‘Bankers’ icon played his final match against Red Arrows at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka on 17 May 2025. Kola’s journey began in 2003 when he joined Zanaco’s youth team, Young Zanaco, and quickly graduated to the senior side that same year. He has since remained a stalwart of the club, serving even as team captain and embodying loyalty and consistency on and off the pitch.
From Young Prospect to Zanaco Stalwart
Kola’s career timeline is a model of dedication. After emerging from the youth ranks in 2003, he became first-choice goalkeeper for Zanaco and never looked back. Over 22 straight seasons at the club he cemented his place as a leader, eventually captaining the team. He was a key figure in Zanaco’s rise in domestic football and even featured in their continental campaigns – notably helping the club reach the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals in 2020. Throughout, he remained the loyal servant of one club, a rarity in modern football, which earned him high praise from the club hierarchy.
Record-Breaking Achievements
By the time of his retirement, Racha Kola had amassed a record 12 titles with Zanaco – more than any other player in the club’s history. His trophy haul is unmatched, including:
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Six MTN Super League championships (2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2016).
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One Coca-Cola Cup (2004).
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Three Charity Shield titles (2003, 2006, 2019).
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One Barclays/ABSA Cup (2017).
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One BP Top 8 Cup (2006).
These honours reflect Kola’s consistency at the highest level of Zambian football. In 2012, he was even voted Zanaco’s Player of the Season, highlighting his influence between the posts.
Unwavering Loyalty and Legacy
Kola’s commitment to Zanaco became legendary. Club CEO Modest Hamalabbi hailed him as “the epitome of dedication and loyalty”, praising how his long journey from a youth player to club legend inspired everyone at the club. In an official statement, Zanaco FC thanked this “iconic figure” for 22 years of “unwavering dedication and service”, noting that Kola “leaves behind an enduring legacy” and will always be part of the Zanaco family. His record 12 trophies speak volumes about the era he helped define. For many fans, he personified the club’s values of discipline and excellence on the pitch.
Final Farewell and Future Plans
Kola’s final appearance on 17 May 2025 was a fitting farewell to a storied career. After the match, he reflected that he was “feeling okay” and agreed it was “now time for me to rest”. In his parting comments, Kola expressed a clear vision for life after playing: he intends to go into coaching. He said he would “love to start coaching so that I can give back to the upcoming goalkeepers”. In other words, Kola plans to mentor the next generation of goalkeepers using the knowledge and experience he’s gained.
Meanwhile, Kola has shared a personal message on social media thanking Zanaco’s supporters and reflecting on his journey. He spoke of the challenges and triumphs that built his resilience and character throughout 22 years at the club. Though he is stepping away as a player, his commitment to the game remains strong. By choosing to guide young talent, he hopes to pass on the work ethic and passion that defined his own career.
Racha Kola’s departure truly marks the end of an era at Zanaco FC. His name will be remembered by fans and players alike as one of the club’s greatest ever servants. Even in retirement, Kola has vowed to keep Zanaco’s values alive – ensuring that, in spirit, “Racha will forever remain part of the Zanaco story.
