Top 5 players in the Zambia Super League

The league had over 500 players, but five stood out above the rest, and it’s only right that we recognize them and encourage others to step up when the next season begins.

Ricky Banda 

Club: Red Arrows 

Age: 21 

Position: Striker 

Nationality: Zambian

The Red Arrows’ title triumph would not have been possible without the clinical striker Ricky Banda. The attacker came through when the team needed him the most, finishing the season as the top scorer with 16 goals. He scored 30% of the Red Arrows’ goals as they scored 52 in 34 games, averaging 1.53 goals scored per game. The 21-year-old striker outscored Moses Phiri and Friday Samu, who travelled to South Africa during the January transfer window. The achievement is certain to boost the youngster’s confidence significantly. According to reports, he will be included in Zambia’s next call-up for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

John Ching’andu 

Club: Zesco United

Age: 28

Position: Midfielder 

Nationality: Zambian

For a long time, the little genius has been the beating heart of Zesco United, dictating and orchestrating victories from the center of the field. Ching’andu’s performance helped ZESCO United win their ninth (9) league titles, defeating Zanaco by a 16-point margin, and named Players’ Player of the Year. However, in the 2021/2022 season, ZESCO United lost their league title to Red Arrows in a fiercely contested league campaign. Ching’andu led the charge to thwart and frustrate Red Arrows’ second (2) league triumph. The ZESCO United attacking midfielder scored nine (9) goals for his club, becoming the club’s top scorer and winning the best player award.

Girese Muyumba

Club:  Kansanshi Dynamos

Age: 33 

Position: Defender 

Nationality: Zambian

Kansanshi Dynamos, along with Green Eagles, had the league’s best defense, recording 19 clean sheets. The Dynamos’ success can be attributed to center-back Girese Muyumba, who was outstanding at the heart of the defense. The veteran commanded the backline with aplomb, earning praise from fans and pundits. Undoubtedly, one of the best players in the Premier League. It was no surprise when the Dynamos named him the most dependable player in their season-ending awards.

Albert Kangwanda 

Club: Kafue Celtic

Age: 23 

Position: Forward

Nationality: Zambian

Albert Kangwanda was another player who was excellent in the season that just ended. The forward punched above his weight and limit in an effort to keep Kafue Celtic from being relegated. Unfortunately, that did not happen, but it does not take away from the fact that Kangwanda finished the season as one of the best players. Celtic scored 27 goals in 34 games, with Kangwanda scoring 12 of them (44.44 percent).

Tresor Tshibwabwa 

Club: Red Arrows

Age: 23

Position: Defender 

Nationality: DR Congo

Tshibwabwa played a significant role in the Red Arrows’ championship victory.

Often, the best players on title-winning teams are the attackers, but this was not the case for Red Arrows, as the defender inspired the team to succeed. In the club’s end-of-season awards, he was named the best player, beating Zambia Under-20 star Ricky Banda – a sign that the young defender is on his way to the top if he continues to perform at a high level.

Tshibwabwa has been imperious, calm, and composed under pressure as he mastered the side’s Championship triumph. The DR Congo star has grown into a more assured, confident player this season and has been a key member of a title-winning side.

While it’s not among the top leagues in Africa, there’s plenty to be excited about in Zambian football. The talent is particularly impressive, too, and though many of these players are on the rise and may well depart, the level of quality is staggering.