Zanaco Football Club brought together players, technical benches and staff from all four teams, Zanaco FC, Zanaco Ladies, Young Zanaco and the Zanaco U19 Academy, for a Player Orientation and Capacity-Building Workshop held on 22 September 2026 at the OYDC in Lusaka.
The workshop was designed to prepare our players not only for the demands of the football season, but also for the responsibilities that come with being a member of Zanaco Football Club.
Representing Zanaco Bank PLC, the club’s main sponsor, was Bwalya Mundashi, who conveyed a message from Zanaco Bank CEO Dr. Mukwandi ChibesaKunda. The players were reminded that when they wear the Zanaco badge, they represent more than just the football club they also represent Zanaco Bank PLC and the values associated with the institution.
The bank expressed its commitment to continuing to support the club and its players, while encouraging the teams to work hard, conduct themselves professionally and deliver positive results in the coming season.
The programme covered several important areas, including Mental Health and Emotional Control, presented by Dr. Naeem Dalal of Chainama Hospital; Anti-Doping Education, facilitated by Dr. Shula Chanda, Chairperson of the Medical Commission of the Zambia National Olympic Committee; Media Training, Regulations and Interview Skills, led by Christina Zulu, Head of Communications at the Zambia Premier League; Refereeing Rules and Regulations, facilitated by the Football Association of Zambia Referees Association (FAZRA); Substance Abuse Awareness and its Effects, presented by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC); Financial Literacy and Wealth Planning, facilitated by Zanaco Bank; and a session from the Footballers and Workers Union of Zambia (FAWUZ).
Football development goes beyond what happens on the pitch. Players are expected to make responsible decisions, manage pressure, understand their professional obligations, communicate effectively with the media, protect their health and make sound financial decisions.
The different sessions gave players an opportunity to gain knowledge in areas that directly affect their careers and lives, including mental wellbeing, anti-doping, substance abuse, financial management, media engagement, players’ rights and responsibilities, and understanding the laws and regulations of the game.
By bringing all four teams together, the workshop also created an opportunity to build a shared understanding of what it means to be part of Zanaco Football Club from the senior teams through to the academy.
As Zanaco prepares for the new season, the focus is not only on results, but on developing disciplined, informed, responsible and well-rounded footballers who can represent the club, Zanaco Bank PLC and themselves with pride.
The season starts beyond the pitch. It starts with preparation, knowledge and responsibility
