. Bwalya

By Kalumiana Kalumiana –
NKANA’s main sponsors Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) are dismayed that the record 12-time champions ended the 2016 season without any silverware.
The Kitwe giants finished third after mounting a strong challenge for the 2016 crown but were beaten to even the number two spot by outgoing champions Zesco United in the final week of the league campaign.
MCM board chairperson Moses Chilangwa said during the club’s annual awards gala at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe on Friday evening that the sponsors are demanding nothing less than the 2017 title.
“A team of Nkana’s pedigree should never walk through a season empty handed, missing out on the league title, the Barclays Cup and even the Charity Shield.
“No excuses will be entertained in the \2017 soccer season. Remember the saying ‘excuses are excuses but performance is the reality’,” Chilangwa said.
Nkana last won the league title in 2013 and made the continental group stage debut in the 2014 Confederation Cup and finished second in the Barclays Cup that same year.
The last piece of silverware was also in 2014 when they won the Charity Shield which this season was lifted by their archrivals Power Dynamos who finished just behind them in 4th place.
Nkana’s run in the 2016 Barclays Cup ended at the semi-final stage where they were beaten 4-0 by eventual runners-up Zanaco.
Meanwhile, striker Walter Bwalya stole the show during the 2016 Nkana awards night winning the best player, top scorer and fans player of the year awards.
Austin Muwowo won the young player award with Jacob Ngulube voted the most disciplined player with Given Sinyangwe collecting the most improved player award.
Simon Bwalya took home the most consistent player award, captain and defender Donashano Malama received an award for his long-service to Nkana after joining them in 2013 from Konkola Mine Police.
Defender Diego Apanene won the president’s award while Nkana president Everisto Kabila was honoured with the MCM CEO award.
Veteran defender Joseph Musonda was awarded the most reliable player.
Meanwhile, the occasion was graced by Wusakile Member of Parliament Pavuma Kalobo, Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kang’ombe and Kitwe District Commissioner Chanda Kabwe including representatives from Nkana’s partner sponsors Bayport, Stanbic Bank and Red Metal.