Kaonga joins Zanaco as a free agent

By Antony Isaiah Jr……..

Silver Strikers Football Club will get nothing from Chawanangwa Kaonga’s transfer to MTN Super League side Zanaco Football Club, Zanaco’s website writes.

The sensational Flames striker, Kaonga completed his move to Sensational Zambian Bankers on Thursday after having trials with the Club for two weeks.

“Zanaco Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Malawian striker Chawanangwa Kaonga on a one-year-deal. The Flames of Malawi striker joins the Bankers as a free agent having previously played for TNM Super League side Silver Strikers,” announced the Club on Thursday.

It was reported that Silver Strikers had pegged their striker at K40 Million.

Making his remarks after signing a one-year contract with the Zanaco Bank Sponsored side, Chawanangwa said he is looking forward to making his MTN Super League debut on Sunday against Prison Leopards.

“I am happy to be here. I have trained with the team for two weeks now and the style of play isn’t hard for me. I have already started settling in,” Kaonga told Zanaco FC Media.

Zanaco Football Club Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Modest Hamalabbi believes that Kaonga will add value to their squad and help the Club to achieve their goals.

He said, “We are certain that Kaonga will add value to the club. He will strengthen the striking squad which we have been lacking in and we are certain that Kaonga is a good addition.”

It is believed that Silver former coach Daniel Kabwe recommended Kaonga to Zanaco, having managed him during his stint at Area 47.

Kaonga’s manager Fred Kalonga said the player will deliver in Zambia.

“This is what Chawanangwa needed in his career. It is such a big move as the Zambian League is far ahead of many leagues in Africa. This is a stepping stone for him. He is a good player and will deliver,’’ Kalonga told the Times Sport.

Kaonga had a good season at Silver with 12 goals to his name in the 2022 TNM Super League. The versatile forward returned to Silver after completing a six-month ban from Fifa for breach of contract.

The ban emanated from a transfer wrangle between Sporting and Mozambican top side Costa do Sol in 2020.

Costa reported Sporting to Fifa, arguing that Chawanangwa had a running contract with them. The world football governing body ruled in Costa’s favour and punished Kaonga and Sporting.

While playing for Costa, the Malawian helped them win the Mocambola League title in 2019, having scored 10 goals.

Chawanangwa’s impressive performances at Sporting caught the attention of South African giants Kaizer Chiefs but a much anticipated move fell through on unclear reasons.