By Mubukwanu Kaingu
Tributes have been paid to late ex-Nchanga Rangers and Chipolopolo assistant coach Fordson Kabole.
Kabole, 77 passed away yesterday at Kitwe Central Hospital.
FAZ President Andrew Kamanga described Kabole as a giant in Zambian football.
“Mr. Fordson Kabole is one the giants of our game and his passing is a loss to our game. We are lucky that he lived to share his knowledge over the years, making his passing a moment of celebration of his contribution to the game,” said Kamanga.
“Over the years, Mr Kabole not only groomed players but also coaches and administrators in the game. He was a critical member of the Ian Porterfield-headed technical bench of the reconstituted Zambia National Team that reached the finals of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.”
And ex-Nkana and Chipolopolo coach Patrick Phiri said the Zambian football fraternity had lost an icon.
Phiri and Kabole were the late Ben Bamfuchile’s assistants at AFCON 2000 in Nigeria.
“Condolences on the loss of our icon ba Fordson. Such a great loss. Impossible to replace,” Phiri said.
“He was extremely knowledgeable in all his undertakings. We will surely miss him.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this moment. May God guide and be with them.”
Kabole led Nchanga to their second and last league title to date in 1998 and did the same at Power Dynamos in 2011.
He also guided Nchanga Rangers to the semifinals of the 1998 CAF Confederation Cup and 2000 CAF Cup quarterfinals.
