Emmanuel Siwale: ZESCO United suspend coach with immediate effect

Zambia Super League outfit ZESCO United have taken the decision to suspend head coach Emmanuel Siwale and first assistant coach Clive Hachilensa on a temporary basis and with immediate effect.

The club has further confirmed the parting ways of the club’s Chief Executive Officer, Kelvin Mutafu, who has been separated from employment service with the club with immediate effect.

Zesco United part ways with the ABSA winning coach, Emmanuel Siwale. pic.twitter.com/6FF2WYZt27

— MUKUBA BOY (@mwenya_eric) March 6, 2026

A statement from the club confirmed the changes by saying: “ZESCO United wishes to inform its stakeholders and the public that the Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Kelvin Mutafu has been separated from employment service with the Club with immediate effect.

James Ngoma has been appointed on interim basis

“The termination is due to unsuccessful probationally period.”

The statement added: “ZESCO appreciates Mutafu for his service and contributions made during his tenure with the club and wishes him well in his future professional endeavors.

“In the interim, James Ngoma has been appointed on acting basis to the role of Chief Executive Officer of the club on caretaker basis.”

Winston Kalengo to lead technical bench

The statement continued: “Further, the following changes have been made to the technical bench. Head coach Emmanuel Siwale and first assistant coach Clive Hachilensa have temporarily been suspended with immediate effect.

“The suspension follows the ongoing review of the team’s technical setup and Club performance. During this period, the technical bench will be led by Winston Kalengo, Mwape Mwelwa, Jacob Banda, Emmanuel Mschili and Kondwani Mtonga.

“The decisions have been made after careful considerations and in the best interest of stakeholders. ZESCO United Club remains fully committed to restoring strong performances and upholding the values and ambitions it stands for.

“Thank you for your patience, understanding and continued unwavering support.”

The suspension of Emmanuel Siwale has sparked discussions among ZESCO United supporters and football analysts in Zambia. Siwale had been working to stabilize the team’s performances in the Zambia Super League, and the sudden decision by the club management has raised questions about the future direction of the team.

ZESCO United are one of the most successful clubs in Zambian football and are known for their strong ambitions both domestically and in continental competitions. Because of these high expectations, any dip in form or inconsistency often results in swift decisions from the club’s management.

With Winston Kalengo now leading the technical bench on an interim basis, attention will turn to how the team performs in the coming matches. Kalengo, who is a respected figure within ZESCO United, will work alongside Mwape Mwelwa, Jacob Banda, Emmanuel Mschili, and Kondwani Mtonga as the club looks to stabilize results during this transitional period.

Meanwhile, supporters will be watching closely to see whether the suspension of Emmanuel Siwale becomes a permanent change or if the coach will return after the club completes its internal review of the technical structure. The coming weeks could prove crucial for ZESCO United as they aim to regain momentum and remain competitive in the Zambia Super League.

For now, the club has asked fans and stakeholders to remain patient as the leadership evaluates the current situation and plans the next steps for the team’s future.

The situation also highlights the pressure that comes with managing a top club like ZESCO United. Expectations from supporters and management remain very high every season, especially with the club aiming to compete for the Zambia Super League title and perform well in continental competitions. How the team responds to these recent changes on the technical bench could play a major role in shaping the remainder of their season.