By Kalumiana Kalumiana
Inspector General of Police Graphael Musamba has directed new Nkwazi coach Keagan Phiri to qualify the team for its debut continental title.
Nkwazi has in its over 55 years of existence, never qualified for CAF interclub competition.
The ex-Nkwazi assistant coach and striker takes over from Aggrey Chiyangi who left the Lusaka-based club in the off-season.
Speaking at Phiris’ unveiling at Zambia Police Service headquarters in Lusaka yesterday, Musamba said a top two finish is the benchmark set by Nkwazi’s sponsors for the coming 2025/2026 FAZ Super League campaign.
“Let your primary mission be clear: To win games to lead Nkwazi to the summit of the Zambia Soccer League and take us to the continental stage, that is the utmost bar, and I trust you to aim even higher,” Musamba said. “This is not about maintaining the status quo, it is about transformation, and I want to see a team that exhibits structure, passion, resilience and tactical discipline.”
A prolific and reputable striker in his playing days at Nkwazi, Phiri assumes the top job at Edwin Emboela Stadium for the first time after serving as an assistant.
Phiri was also capped twice at Chipolopolo Zambia in 2004 during the reign of Kalusha Bwalya.
Nkwazi finished 7th last season and are a perennial top 8 finisher but have watched on the sidelines over the years as their Lusaka rivals, ZANACO, Green Buffaloes and Red Arrows represent the capital city in continental football.
