Amunike ready for the Zanaco challenge

Emmanuel Amunike is looking forward to another African challenge following his appointment technical consultant at Zambian club Zanaco.

The 1994 AFCON winner with the Super Eagles Nigeria has joined Zanaco on a long-term contract together with his assistant Emeka Amadi.

Amunike’s arrival does not alter Kelvin Kaindu’s status as Zanaco head coach, who is entering his second season with the seven-time Zambian champions.

This is Amunike’s second high-profile job on the continent after leading Tanzania to their first AFCON appearance in 39 years when the Taifa Stars qualified for the 2019 tournament.

“I am an African, that is clear, and in Tanzania, I used to tell the players I am from Nigeria in my passport, but I am living with you in Tanzania,” Amunike said.

“Now, I am in Zambia with these players, and so I am Zambian.

“And it is now my responsibility as somebody who has played the game to look at the young players here and look at how we can make them better players. That is the objective.

“In line with that, we want to win our next game in line coming up on Saturday and also want to be at the top of the table.”

Amunike’s first experience of the Zambian domestic game comes on October 1 when Zanaco hosts defending FAZ Super League champions Red Arrows in the big Lusaka derby at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka.

He joins Zanaco, who is currently 12th on the log with 6 points from 5 games played.

Zanaco has not won the league title since 2016.

Since then, Zanaco has been runners-up twice in 2017 and 2021 and later finished third in 2019.

“But we have to bear in mind that whatever we do in life, it goes with a process. Before someone runs, you first have to walk; before you can walk, you have to stand,” Amunike said.