Jacob Banda Confident Zesco United Will Bounce Back Next Season

Club Legend Promises Better Days Ahead After Disappointing Campaign

Former Jacob Banda has expressed confidence that Zesco United will return stronger next season following a challenging 2025/26 campaign.

The club legend, who now serves as the team’s goalkeeper coach, believes the Ndola-based side has learned valuable lessons from a season that saw them finish outside the top positions and miss out on continental football.

Difficult Season for the Ndola Giants

Zesco endured a frustrating campaign and eventually finished 10th on the league table, a position far below the club’s usual standards.

Reflecting on the season, Banda admitted the team struggled from the outset but showed signs of improvement as the campaign progressed.

“It was a difficult season for us. We did not start well and that affected our performance throughout the year,” Banda said.

“Even though we did not finish where we wanted, we managed to end the season in a more respectable position after facing many challenges.”

Promise of a Stronger Return

The eight-time league-winning goalkeeper has assured supporters that the club is determined to bounce back and compete at a higher level next season.

“We can only promise our fans that we will work hard and perform much better next season,” Banda said.

“We understand the expectations that come with representing Zesco United, and everyone at the club is focused on improving.”

From Player to Coach

Banda spent more than 15 years at Zesco United, winning eight league titles and making over 1,000 appearances before retiring from active football in 2021.

Since moving into coaching, he has embraced the challenge of developing the club’s next generation of goalkeepers.

“It has been a great experience working as a goalkeeper coach,” he explained.

“My dream after retiring was always to help young goalkeepers improve and share the knowledge I gained during my playing career.”

Coaching Brings New Challenges

Despite enjoying his new role, Banda admits coaching presents different challenges compared to playing.

“There is still a lot of work to do because coaching is very different from being on the field,” he said.

“When you are playing, you can make decisions and execute them yourself. As a coach, you prepare players and then hope they apply what you have worked on during training.”

Banda remains optimistic that with proper preparation and hard work, Zesco United can rebuild and challenge for honours once again in the upcoming season.