By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(Maravipost)-Kafue Celtic Football Club, recently relegated from the MTN Football Association of Zambia Super League, is currently in Malawi for their 2023-2024 preseason.
The club’s head coach, Davies Nyangwe, expressed appreciation for the advancements in the sport within the country.
Nyangwe’s comments came after their friendly match against Central Region Football Association’s Chipiku Premier division league team, Kawinga FC, where Kafue Celtics lost 2-1.
In an exciting match characterized by dynamic passing and collaborative football, the home team scored first with Precious Thindwa finding the net just two minutes into the game, thanks to an assist from Gift Kadawati.
The visitors swiftly responded, equalizing before the end of the first half, with Emmanuel Chikaza scoring in the 30th minute, resulting in a 1-1 halftime score.
The second half saw both teams make several changes in pursuit of victory. However, at the 65th-minute mark, Kawinga FC managed to secure the lead once again.
Lazarus Chirwa, assisted by Arnold Kiyama, maneuvered past Kafue’s defenders and sent the ball into the six-yard box, securing a 2-1 lead.
Reflecting on the match, Nyangwe acknowledged the quality of play while noting room for improvement in his team’s mentality. He also mentioned the game’s positive impact on their preparations for the upcoming season.
“The game’s tempo was commendable, but my players’ mindset wasn’t ideal. Perhaps they underestimated Kawinga’s strength. This journey has been beneficial as we’ve experimented with various strategies and non-regular players,” said Nyangwe.
Harrison, representing Kawinga FC, emphasized the international exposure gained from the match against Kafue, highlighting its potential influence on the remaining Chipiku Premier division league games.
“We’ve learned valuable lessons from this game. Just last week, we faced another Zambian team, Mikalile, in the Dimba Trophy. I can confidently say that Kawinga has greatly benefited,” stated Saidi.
Kawinga FC currently leads group C in the 2023 Chipiku Premier division league, boasting 28 points from 12 matches.
Apart from the match against Kawinga FC, the Zambian team faced Mkanda Youth FC, securing a 7-1 victory, and dominated Kapiri Select under 17 with a resounding 5-1 win on August 16th, 2023.
Their under-17 team, however, faced defeat against Lilongwe Under 17 Select with a score of 2-0.
Kafue Celtic FC, headquartered in the industrial town of Kafue, competes in the FAZ division one league.
Established in 2002 by Mr. Faran Qudire, the club, formerly known as Lusaka Celtic FC, is now owned and sponsored by Mr. Lee Kawanu and Lernard Kawanu.
Notably, Kafue has nurtured Zambia National team talents, including Kennedy Mweene, Patson Daka, Nathan Sinkala, former Captain Enock Mwepu, and Chisamba Lungu, among others.
Despite relegation from the top-flight league, Kafue Celtic maintains robust infrastructure and assets. They are actively involved in developing young, talented players who are making their mark both locally and internationally.
