ZESCO United have appointed Mwenya Chipepo as their new head coach, with Tenant Chembo joining the technical bench as first assistant.
Chipepo, a CAF A Licence holder, takes charge after a coaching career that has included spells at Power Dynamos, Prison Leopards, Indeni, Forest Rangers and Nkana FC. His biggest success came with Power Dynamos, whom he guided to the MTN Super League title and into the CAF Champions League.
The Ndola giants turned to Chipepo after initially pursuing Nchanga Rangers coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina. However, Lwandamina was tied down to a new two-year contract by the Chingola club, forcing ZESCO to look elsewhere.
ZESCO subsequently held talks with George Chilufya, but the two parties were unable to reach an agreement on terms before the club switched its focus to Chipepo.
Chipepo will be assisted by Chembo, who returns to a club where he has previously enjoyed success both as a player and coach.
Chembo was part of the ZESCO United technical setup that won the 2016 Barclays Cup, now known as the ABSA Cup, and the 2017 FAZ Super League title. He also gained continental experience during his time with the club in the CAF Champions League.
The club believes his familiarity with ZESCO and extensive experience across Zambian football will provide continuity and leadership to the new technical setup.
The rest of the technical and support staff comprises Mwape Mwelwa as second assistant coach, Winston Kalengo and Kondwani Mtonga as physical trainers, and Jacob Banda as goalkeeper trainer.
Simon Silwimba has been retained as equipment manager, with Kabamba Kalande serving as team manager. Abidan Chansa and Stephen Mbewe will continue as team doctor and team clinician respectively.
The appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for ZESCO United as the club prepares for the upcoming transitional league campaign and looks to build a competitive squad and technical structure capable of challenging for honours.
Chipepo’s immediate task will be to establish his methods and identity within a side that has traditionally carried significant expectations in Zambian football.
