FLY HIGHER

By GRACE CHAILE

ZAMBIA Police Inspector General Graphael Musamba has tasked newly appointed Nkwazi Football Club head coach, Keagan Phiri, with leading the team to the summit of the MTN Super League and securing continental competition qualification.
The message was delivered to Phiri, who has now been trusted with steering the Zambia Police Service-sponsored side to greater heights in the 2025/2026 season.
In a rousing address, Musamba reminded Phiri, who also serves as an acting Chief Inspector that discipline, professionalism and unity were the pillars that would carry Nkwazi to success.
“Use your voice not only to instruct, but to inspire,” Musamba urged. “Let your voice be the beginning of order, and let the players find confidence and direction under your guidance. Let Nkwazi be known for excellence, not controversy.”
The police chief pledged full institutional backing through the National Sports Coordinator and emphasised the importance of supporting Phiri’s strategic plans with adequate resources.
Touching on broader challenges in football, Musamba lamented the growing trend of clubs luring away coaches mid-season often using funds sourced beyond football. He criticised what he described as “unfair play” in both the Zambian and international game.
“Some teams have incomes from sources outside football, and they use those to distort the fairness of the game. It creates an uneven playing field,” Musamba said. “That’s how coaches are poached not because they are just better, but because the money is coming from unchecked sources.”
Phiri, who was assistant coach under former boss Aggrey Chiyangi (now with Green Buffaloes), expressed gratitude for the opportunity and vowed to guide the club to a competitive finish.
“We will work hard to bring pride to the club, the service, and our supporters. I believe with unity, focus and commitment, we can achieve our goals,” Phiri said.
He revealed that the club had already identified areas requiring strengthening and was in the process of finalising new signings.
Nkwazi finished last season in sixth place with 50 points from 12 wins, 14 draws, and 11 losses. Phiri, a lifelong Nkwazi man, played for the club in his youth and has been coaching there for the past nine years.