Zambia: Christopher Katongo and his boss suspended

When it comes to the coaching business, one’s legendary status counts for nothing but only results.

This is the hard truth that former Zambia national team captain Christopher Katongo might have now realised in his infant coaching career.

Painful result for Nkana | Chipepo. Full post-match video here https://t.co/f00nDmh1SF#AbaRED #NkanaFC #Kalampa #MTNSuperLeague #WeAreKalampa #ZANNKA pic.twitter.com/8w4kTxDcIa

— Nkana FC (@FcNkana) February 28, 2026

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations title-winning skipper for Zambia has been suspended alongside his Nkana FC boss Mwenya Chipepo due to the team’s underperformance.

What cost Katongo and his boss Chipepo Nkana jobs

Katongo and Nkana FC head coach Chipepo have paid the price of three straight defeats in the MTN Super League, the latest being a 2-0 humiliation by ZANACO FC on Saturday. Chipepo had described the result against ZANACO FC ‘as very painful.’

In a statement, Nkana FC did not mention that the coaches have been suspended. Rather, the Kitwe-based club opted for a diplomatic way of putting it, saying the trainers have been placed on an administrative leave.

“Head Coach Mwenya Chipepo and First Assistant Coach Christopher Katongo have been placed on administrative leave with full pay and benefits, pending the conclusion of internal processes,” reads the statement.

“These measures are procedural in nature and are intended to allow the club to address internal matters without disruption.”

The 13-time MTN Super League champions have since named former Zambian international defender Elijah Tana as the interim head coach with Josephat Nkhoma and Donashano Malama as the first and second assistants respectively.

What next now for Nkana FC?

The only survivor in the major shakeup is Michael Poto who has retained his position as goalkeeper coach for the club that is also called Kalampa.

Tana and his backroom staff have a big challenge of turning around Kalampa’s fortunes. The club lies in 12th place with 25 points from 22 games, some 18 points behind leaders Red Arrows.

Nkana’s first assignment under the caretaker coaches is against the leaders Arrows on Wednesday.