. Lwandamina

By FELIX MALUNGA –
ZAMBIA’S 2015 Orange CAF Champions League envoys, Zesco United have included Kenya international defender, David Odhiambo and two Nigerian players in their star-studded 27-man squad for the prestigous club continental competition.
Zesco have acquired the services of 26-year-old Odhiambo from Gor Mahia, who was Kenya’s best defender in 2013 and the Nigerian duo of former South Africa’s University of Pretoria left back, Ayo Ouluwafemi and  Bayelsa United striker, Christopher Chigozie.
Coach George Lwandamina will also have Chipolopolo midfielder-cum-defender, Kondwani Mtonga back from a six-month loan at North East Club in India and striker Jonas Sakuwaha from DR Congo giants, TP Mazembe back in the fold for Africa’s elite club tournament.
Sakuwaha will boost the Zesco frontline which also has 2014 Golden Boot winner, Jackson Mwanza, Winston Kalengo and Tanzanian international, Juma Liuzio.
The 2014 double champions have recalled midfielder, Innocent Mwaba from a two-year loan contract at Ferroviarro De Maputo in Mozambique and also opened talks with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns to extend a loan deal for Togolese defender, Mathias Emmanuel.
Zesco also recruited midfielder, Misheck Chaila from Kabwe Warriors and Konkola Blades striker, Humphrey Maseneko and have been included in the CAF Champions League squad.
Club media and public relations officer, Katebe Chengo said in a statement in Ndola yesterday that Zesco had reinforced the squad that won the 2014 MTN Premier Division League and Barclays Cup ahead of the Champions League campaign.
Chengo also said defender Gift Sakuwaha and midfielder Kangwa Chileshe have requested Zesco to allow them find other clubs to enable them gain game time.
She said Zimbabwean defender, Zimiseleni Moyo also decided not to renew his contract and had since gone back after spending five years at the club.
Chengo said Zesco had since submitted the 27-man provisional team list to CAF.
The Ndola giants, who reached the lucrative group stage of the Champions League in 2009, will begin the CAF campaign with a visit to Swaziland’s Mbabane Swallows in the preliminary round on February 14.
Lwandamina’s charges will kick-off their preparations at the Outward Bound in Mbala for a physical and mental conditioning programme.
After returning from Mbala, Zesco will head to Johannesburg, South Africa to continue with their preparations.
Zesco have lined-up a friendly match against South African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, who are also preparing for the Champions League.
Mazembe has also invited the Zambian champions for a four-club tournament in Lubumbashi from January 28 to February 4.
Zesco’s squad sent to CAF for registration is as follows:
Goalkeepers -Jacob Banda, Lameck Nyangu, Brown Nyirenda;
Defenders – Ayo Oluwafemi, David Odhiambo, Chishimba Changala, Bernard Mapili, Mathias Emmanuel, Daut Musekwa, Bornwell Silengo;
Midfielders – Misheck Chaila, Innocent Mwaba, John Chin’gandu, Maybin Mwaba, Mwelwa Mwape, Simon Silwimba, Clatous Chama, Justin Zulu, Matthews Nkhowani, Kondwani Mtonga;
Strikers – Jackson Mwanza, Winston Kalengo, Humphrey Maseneko, Lazarous Kambole, Juma Liuzio, Christopher Chigozie and Jonas Sakuwaha.