ABSA Cup winners Red Arrows are leading the race to sign teenage striker Eliya Mandanji, the ZamFoot Crew understands.
After sealing the acquisition of Owen Mwamba after his departure from Mufulira Wanderers, the Airmen have now set their sights on Eliya Mandanji.
As earlier reported by the ZamFoot Crew Mandanji and winger Chipo Manda are set to leave ZANACO. The duo joined the Bankers at the start of last season on loan from ZPL National League side Kafue Celtic.
Chisi Mbewe is said to be keen to add Mandanji to his roster ahead of the transitional season and the CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
Mandanji became an instant hit at Sunset Stadium scoring goals and winning over the fans. The former Kanyama Lions forward managed 10 goals in 26 games in the MTN Super League for Zanaco FC.
Mandanji and Kafue Celtic midfielder Elvis Mulenga have been in Europe for a month, first spending time in Denmark before moving to Finland. In Denmark Mandanji attended a training camp with four time Danish Superliga Champions, Football Club Midtjylland.
Prior to moving to ZANACO Mandanji emerged as the Crocs’s top goalscorer in the 2024/2025 ZPL National League season with 8 goals in 26 appearances.
Mandanji was part of the Zambia U20 National Team that suffered a group stage elimination at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations. He was also part of the Rest Team that played in the All Stars vs The Rest Team at Woodlands Stadium in 2024.
He was also part of the Chipolopolo Boys squad that suffered a disastrous group stage elimination at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He was also part of the team that participated in the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament earlier this year.
