The Defending Champions of the MTN/FAZ Super League Zesco United where Nowhere near the big boys in the ZSL in 2000.After the turn of the millennium the team has massively improved on many aspects to become one of the top teams in the country.

Zesco United had not won a league title before 2007.Fast Forward to 2015 they can boost of having won 5 league titles. Winning it back to back in 2007 and 2008 then 2010 before winning the previous two editions.

They have won the last two editions of the ZSL with much conviction.This is reason enough for many football pundits,fans and the general football family to rate them as favourites for the 2016 edition of the ZSL.In as much as this is a reasonable logic but winning the title is not the hardest but defending it later lone for the second time in a row.

So what has Zesco United put in place to make sure they defend the MTN/FAZ Premier league ?.Well that is what this article will look at in total length.

Transfer Market Business is one key component to a team’s success.Zesco United’s major loss has been the departure of 2015 MTN/FAZ Premier league Topscorer Winston Kalengo.Kalengo who signed a one year Contract with AC Leopards of Congo Brazzaville was Zesco United’s most Lethal Striker and will surely be missed.

To Replace him Zesco United Acquired the Services of 2015 KPL topscorer Jesse Jackson Were on a 2 year deal and Division 1 topscorer with Kabwe Warriors Idris Mbombo.The two are proven goalscorers and Zesco United are surely guaranteed goals from the duo.Another plus is that 2014 ZSL topscorer Jackson Mwanza’s deal to Thailand Division 1 side did not materialise hence will be available to offer his services to the Club.

Zesco United’s biggest threat come s from the Midfield.The Midfield has names like Mwape Mwelwa,Misheck Chaila,Justin Zulu,Cleotus Chota Chama and Kondwani Mtonga has returned from a loan spell in India.As these names are not scarely enough for opponents they have also acquired the services of 2012 KPL midfielder of the year Anthony ”Viera” Akumu.So in short they have passed on the aspect of transfer business.the team looks good enough to defend the title.

The management also decided to take the teams camp for pre-season training to Mongu.This is a good move is such that Mongu is away from most local players friends,family and loved ones.Football is a mental sport so a player has to have a proper mental state to reach his full potential.

The management and technical Bench of the Ndola giants have are also organising a 4 team invitational tournament.They have invited PSL giants Mamelodi sundowns ,an unnamed Nigerian team and Zanaco.Last time Zesco United held such a tournament in 2014 which Featured DR Congo’s Don Bosco ,Power Dynamos won it.TP Mazembe also holds a similar kind of tournament and ZSL’s very own Nkana won it not so long ago.

Looking at what the team and management has done so far and have planned to do one feels they will have a good season.Will they defend theire crown?, well that a question that can only be answered when the ZSL concludes late this year.

Mubanga Aaron

Freelance Football Writer |Freelance sports presenter TV & Radio|Sports Analyst|Social media manager|mubajnrabntv@gmail.com