James Chamanga will continue to be a big threat for Zambian champions Red Arrows this season, says the club’s goalkeeper coach and his former Chipolopolo teammate Kalililo Kakonje.
The 43-year-old former Moroka Swallows and SuperSport striker on Saturday led Arrows’ attack as they commenced their title defence in a 0-0 Lusaka derby home draw against Napsa Stars at Nkoloma Stadium.
Chamanga had a subdued game but had two sure chances in the first half with one going inches wide and the other a point blank-range shot saved by Napsa goalkeeper Rodwell Mukwanya.
“Yes, I mean age will always play a factor in football, or in any sport actually, but I think the best strikers have missed sitters,” Kakonje, the former Amazulu and Golden Arrows goalkeeper, said in a post-match interview at Nkoloma.
“So I think for him it was one of those bad days at the office but I wouldn’t take anything away from him because we will continue to rely on him in a big way.”
Chamanga made way for Joseph Phiri in the 76th minute in a double substitution that also saw last season’s golden boot winner Ricky Banda make way for new signing Conlyde Luchanga.
Banda, who set-up Chamanga for the opportunity that went wide, scored 16 goals last season while the veteran was Arrows’ second top scorer with 6 goals.
Meanwhile, Arrows began their title defence in 11th place.
Promoted Lumwana Radiants are the early leaders following a shock 3-1 home win over perennial top four campaigners Green Eagles.
Power Dynamos and Zanaco were the other winners in Saturday’s Week 1 fixtures after similar 1-0 away victories over Nkwazi and Chambishirespectively.
FAZ SUPER LEAGUE WEEK 1 Results and Fixtures
20/08/2022
FC Muza 1-1 Green Buffaloes;
Lumwana Radiants 3-1 Green Eagles;
Chambishi 0-1 Zanaco;
Prison Leopards 1-1 Zesco United;
Forest Rangers 0-0 Kansanshi Dynamos;
Nkwazi 0-1 Power Dynamos;
Red Arrows 0-0 Napsa Stars
21/08/2022
Nchanga Rangers v Buildcon;
Nkana v Kabwe Warriors
