THE mass exodus of players at 2016 MTN/FAZ Super Division champions Zanaco is worrisome says veteran footballer Kenneth Malitoli.
In an interview today, January 11, 2017, Malitoli who won the CAF Champions League with Tunisian giants Esperance in 1994, said Zanaco were going to experience challenges in both the league and CAF champions league.
He added that the bulk of the players leaving were at the core of the club’s success.
“Losing the bulk of the team is dangerous. They are going to experience challenges because they have a busy schedule with both CAF and FAZ competitions and the new recruits will obviously need time to jell and play together as a team,” said Malitoli.
Malitoli said there was need for Zanaco to maintain and retain its players in order to achieve better results. Zanaco has experienced a mass exodus since winning the title last year with the latest to leave being former Chipolopolo midfielder Isaac Chansa who was spotted at Zhako FC in Iraq on Tuesday.
Others who have left the club are midfielder Rodrick Kabwe, who has joined Ajax Cape town in South Africa, while Salulani Phiri has also joined Polokwane City in South Africa.
Defender Aaron Katebe joined Nkana last week while midfielder Aubrey Funga was spotted at Ajax Cape town training grounds and could join former teammate Kabwe upon completion of trials.
Striker Davey Daka and defender Fackson Kapumbu are also being linked with moves to Ndola giants Zesco United while 2016 Zambian Footballer of the year Ziyo Tembo is linked to a move to Zimbabwean club Bulawayo Highlanders.
Winger Charles Zulu is also rumored to be headed for trials in Switzerland while striker Fashion Sakala is reported to be itching for a move away from the club.
Zanaco will represent Zambia in the CAF champions league and begin the campaign with a date against A.P.R of Rwanda on February11,2017 at Nkoloma stadium.