It’s a sad day for Zesco United Football Club supporters after one of their club legends has left the club.
Goalkeeper Jacob Banda who requested the Club not to renew his Contract has left the Club after 16 years.
Jacob Banda’s playing time at ZESCO United came to a close on Sunday 28 February 2021 and leaves the Ndola based side with his head high having won eight Super League titles, two Mosi Cup titles, One Coca Cola Cup title and Six Absa Cups and four Charity Shield titles.
“I wish to give thanks to the ZESCO United Football Club Management and Executive, the soccer fans, the media, coaches and the players. Without their support, I wasn’t going to achieve all that I have gained in the last 16-years at the club.
I leave the club with a peaceful mind knowing that ZESCO United is in safe hands with Ian Otieno and Toaster Nsabata between the sticks. Thank you once again,” Banda said.
“My first stint as a goalkeeper was with Indeni Academy. I was later selected to be part of the Indeni main team. It wasn’t easy because I found experienced goalkeepers like Steven Munkonga who at that time was the first-choice goalkeeper. I had to wait for my opportunity but that also meant showing that I was worth the call.”
“I signed for ZESCO United in 2005 under Coach Fredrick Ngwenya. It was a dream come true for me because, at that time, every young boy in Ndola wanted to play for ZESCO United. This was also the biggest test of my career because the club had some good goalkeepers. There was Emmanuel Musichili, Steven Munkonga, Ken Mumba. I had to work my way to the top because I was signed as a fourth choice goalkeeper.”
“I enjoyed some game time when the late Wesley Mondo was appointed head coach. He loved rotating goalkeepers. This gave me a very big opportunity to show that I can be trusted between the sticks.”
“I have great memories which I think made me excel as a goalkeeper at ZESCO United. One of my outstanding performances was against Power Dynamos in 2006, a game we won 1-0. We also beat Al Merrick 2-3 in Sudan in the CAF Champions League in 2009 with Jonas Sakuwaha scoring a hat-trick.”
“I am very lucky to be captain of this side. However, it is not easy because you have to deal with players with totally different backgrounds and nationalities. I am happy because I have a good relationship with everyone and we all respect each other.”Banda told the Club website