By GRACE CHAILE –
NAPSA Stars Football Club preparations for the 2015 soccer season suffered a blow following the death of striker Elson Mkandawire.
Mkandawire was one of the players Napsa had signed in readiness of this season but tragedy struck on Tuesday night last week when the player got involved in a road traffic accident in Kasumbalesa.
Napsa secretary Owen Chimpinde said Mkandawire’s death has robbed the club of a good striker in whom the club was hoping it had found a replacement for Saith Sakala, who is playing for Hapoel Ra’anana in the Israel league.
Chimpinde said the team’s first match will be a difficult coming from such a unexpected loss but was confident that the players will put up a gallant fight and win honours for Mkandawire.
“We saw something in Elson that made us sign him from Konkola Blades last season and we wanted him to help us by scoring those needed goals. But our vision was cut short but the team will forever treasure the moments they spent with him,” he said.
He said the team’s dream is to win the Barclays title which they won in 2012 and that the club has the players who can help realise that dream.
“Our aim this season is to push for the top two finish and compete in the continental championship.
Our threat is Zesco, Zanaco, Power Dynamos and Green Buffaloes. But I am positive the team will with
stand any pressure,” he said.
Napsa had a modest campaign last season finishing fifth on the log under the care of Hector Chilombo.

. Chilombo

Chilombo who took over from Peter Kaumba, managed to mould a squad of young and experienced players to put up a strong challenge in the league.
This year the club has signed three youthful players from Lusaka Youth Academy namely midfielder Ngosa Sunzu, striker Twiza Chaibela and midfielder Charles Yande.
Others that have joined Napsa include the Zanaco duo of goalkeeper Lenon Muma striker ageless Davis Mwape.
Napsa will continue life without their top scorer Saith Sakala who is with an Israeli club, while dependable goalkeeper Scott Ngokene moved to Nkana as White Mwanambaba trekked to Power Dynamos.
Having won the Barclays in 2012 after beating Power 4-2 on penalties, Napsa have now set their sight on challenging for the league title and also clinch place to play continental football next season.
They might have just won promotion back to elite league in 2012 ending a 11-year absence from the top flight, but Napsa will be among one of the teams to watch for the league title this season.
Club Profile
Name: Napsa Stars (formerly Profund Warriors)
Stadium: Woodlands Stadium
Nickname: Pensioners
Chairperson: Richie Nawa
Coach: Hector Chilombo
Assistant: Evans Sakala
Captain: Donwell Yobe
2014 Finish: Fifth
Honours: Cup-Barcleys Cup (2012).
League- Nil