The FAZ Super Division is on a two week hibernation and as it reaches midway point, a lot of teams have been firing and hiring coaches in a bid to beat the drop into relegation waters.

It is at this point of the season that title contenders flex their muscles to exert their dominance in what is turning out to be the most competitive Bola yapa Zed in recent years.

In this review we analyze the key coaches that have impacted the standings in the league so far.

We have seen the dismissal of prominent coaches in the Zambian Super Division. Power Dynamos sacked their coach Tenant Chilumba and replaced him with Dan Kabwe.

Patrick Phiri ditched Nakambala for Forest Rangers while we saw Manfred Chabinga being shown the door at Mufulira Wanderers replacing him with Tenant Chilumba.

Mufulira Blackpool also decided to fire coach Weston Mumba and hired Matthews Njhovu to change the club’s fortunes.

The exodus of coaches has had an enormous impact on the shape of League table. Nakambala Leopards were flying high in the top 3 of the League in the first 10 games but they find themselves swimming in mid table at number 10 with 20 points.

Blackpool find themselves at the bottom of the pile despite sacking their coach.

We look at some of the coaches who have made a mark at their clubs this season.

6. PATRICK PHIRI: Forest Rangers

Patrick Phiri’s departure from Nakambala Leopards for greener trees at Forest Rangers sees the Sugar boys lose their momentum they had in the early stages.

This has benefited Forest Rangers who have shot up into 7th place having a total of 24 points winning 7 matches from 17 games played including 1-0 wins against Zanaco and Zesco United.

One of the most consistent coaches has been Patrick Phiri and his impact was really felt while at Nakambala and also now at Forest Rangers.

5. BILTON MUSONDA: Green Buffaloes

After 16 games played, Green Buffaloes lie in 5th position on 28 points. Probably not among the highest rated coaches in the country right now is Bilton Musonda. His leadership however puts Green Buffaloes in the mix for a shout at the title having played a game less than second placed Nkana Football Club.

Musonda’s  Buffaloes have won 8 games from 16. They definitely have what it takes to compete for the top 4 spots and it will be interesting to see where they finish come end of the season.

4. MOHAMMED FATHI: Kabwe Warriors

Egyptian coach Mohammed Fathi has had an indifferent season at Kabwe Warriors. Having led the team to promotion from Division One last year, Fathi came under scrutiny as the team were under threat of being thrown into an early relegation battle. Defeats at Nakambala Leopards, Nkwazi and strugglers NASPA Stars saw Warriors stationed in the bottom half of the table in 13th position.

However, Fathi boasts a healthy home record that sees Warriors continue to scrape for valuable points. Warriors were resolute at home, beating Mufulira Wanderers 3-1 and Forest Rangers 4-1 in just some of their decent displays.

At the mid point, Fathi has led Kabwe Warriors in 6th position on 26 points, 6 points away from second place. That is quite remarkable given that they have only won 2 games on the road at Mufulira Blackpool and Nchanga Rangers with similar 1-0 scoreline.

3. GEORGE LWANDAMINA: Zesco United

George Lwandamina has had to shuffle two responsibilities at once, that is his club commitment at Zesco United and as interim head coach of the Zambia National team. His duo roles have not affected his performance at Zesco United who are challenging silverware on all fronts.

Lwandamina has led Zesco into the Champions League with one victory against Al Ahly and a defeat against Wydad Casablanca.

Zega are title favorites once more this year as they lie third on 28 points having played 4 games less than Zanaco. Should they win all their games in hand, Team ya Ziko will find themselves at par with Zanaco on 4 points.

2. AGREY CHIYANGI: Nkana FC

Agrey Chiyangi was appointed Nkana coach in 2015 after leaving his post as Technical director at Zanaco.

Chiyangi’s technical abilities saw Nkana go on a 8 match winning streak with everyone thinking they will run away with the title. Subsequently that run was halted by Lusaka Tigers through that infamous last minute Walter Bwalya own goal.

Nkana have been consistent all season and it is no surprise they lie in 2nd position on 31 points winning 9 games out of 17 games.

1. NUMBA MUMAMBA: Zanaco

Sensational is the right word to describe Numba Mumamba. The diminutive trainer is standing tall above everyone else at the summit of the table.

Zanaco have recorded an incredible 12 wins out of 17 matches with an amazing goal difference of 29. Numba has turned Zanaco into a goal scoring machine his team scoring 35 goals.

Zanaco have the meanest defense too with only 6 goals conceded.
The Bankers have suffered one defeat and that was 1-0 against Forest Rangers.

The record for Numba speaks for itself and he earns top spot in our coach of the mid season review.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer