Nkana need experience – Gift Kampamba

Nkana FC legend Gift Kampamba has warned that the current Kalampa squad lacks the experience needed to compete favourably in the 2026 Transitional Season which kicks off next month. The 12-time Zambian champions have overhauled their squad with mostly youngsters averaging 21…

Nkana FC legend Gift Kampamba has warned that the current Kalampa squad lacks the experience needed to compete favourably in the 2026 Transitional Season which kicks off next month.

The 12-time Zambian champions have overhauled their squad with mostly youngsters averaging 21 years, in what Kampamba says is a risky approach for a club of Nkana’s stature.

Speaking in an interview, the former Nkana and Zambia midfielder said most of the new signings are yet to reach the club’s demanding level.

“Expectations from supporters are always very high,” Kampamba said.

“Looking at the player recruitment people may say they are good players but those are yet to reach Nkana’s level. At Nkana we need experienced players, who are already matured.”

Nkana’s latest signings include 24-year-old centre-back Simon Chipanama from Atletico Lusaka, 21-year-old winger Hector Sakala from Mutondo Stars, 20-year-old defender Clivert Mwamba from Zambezi Portland, midfielder Abel Kanyamuna, 24, and winger Jackson Kampamba, 22, from Kabwe Warriors.

Kampamba proposed that the club signs at least three experienced players, with a striker as priority.

“Nkana status is not about rebuilding a team but polishing up and bringing up the squad. Youngsters are good but we need experienced players. With those recruitments, it is like we are not progressing,” he said.

Nkana finished 13th in the 2025/2026 Zambian Super League after spending much of the season near the relegation zone.

“Since we have been struggling, we needed at least three players with National Team experience. Nkana is a big team which cannot be talked about rebuilding every year. That is unacceptable, it is like we are going backwards,” Kampamba said.

“It is not too late to beef up the team with two or three experienced players. We need goal scorers,” he added.

The 2026 Transitional Season kicks off on the weekend of 2-4 October 2026.

Record champions Nkana will begin their campaign away to newly promoted Trident FC at Sentinel Ground on 3 October 2026.