The Nkana coaching bench says their team played better than Power Dynamos despite losing the big Kitwe derby of the Super League at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday.
Kenyan striker Moses Shumar scored a second half goal as Power overcame Nkana 1-0 in the round 28 match played in Ndola.
It was the first Kitwe derby win for Power coach Oswald Mutapa against Nkana.
Despite not being favourites ahead of this game, Nkana gave Power a tough match.
In a post-match comment, Nkana deputy coach Josphat Nkhoma said Kalampa controlled the game despite ending as losers on the day.
”The guys (players) did their best, they played their lungs out. The guys wanted to win this game but we lost, it is the name of the game,” Nkhoma said.
”The better team has lost today. I think we were better in most of the departments. I think we controlled the game, in defence we were solid today, in the midfield we were fluent and the strikers were eager to score despite missing the chance to kill off the game,” he said.
Nkana remained stuck on number 12 with 31 points in 28 matches played.
Power coach Mutapa said collecting three points against Nkana was the most important aspect of the Kitwe derby.
”Forget about the derby it is the three points that mattered most,” Mutapa said.
”It was a game of maybe two halves. We had a lot of chances in the first half but we couldn’t bury them. After we scored, I think we were not so composed. We gave space to Nkana. Nkana had their moments but we defended bravely to get the result,” Mutapa told a postmatch media conference.
He believes the match was a balanced affair.
”That’s his opinion (Nkhoma’s comment that Nkana were better), we missed a lot of opportunities in the first half. We moved the ball quickly and I think the intensity was high. Nkana followed our intensity, the more reason they broke in the end. But we didn’t control the second half especially in our midfield,” Mutapa said.
Power have opened a seven-point lead at the top of the table with 58 points in 26 matches.
With six matches officially left in the season, Mutapa has demanded humility and discipline as Power moves closer to defending the league title.
Nkana were better than Power – Nkhoma
Kunda urges rejection of ‘Wamuyayaya’ amid claims on governance direction
Zambia Wake-up Party president Howard Kunda has called on citizens to reject what he described as efforts to alter the country’s political trajectory, warning against moves that could weaken the multi-party system.
Kunda’s remarks were made in response to what he characterised as a push linked to “Wamuyayaya”, which he associated with attempts to consolidate political power. He urged Zambians to remain vigilant and safeguard the country’s democratic framework.
Speaking in statements carried in public reporting, Kunda said any direction that limits political competition would undermine the principles that underpin Zambia’s governance system. He framed his position as a defence of democratic structures, emphasising the importance of maintaining a political environment where multiple parties can operate freely.
The remarks add to a series of positions taken by opposition figures who have raised concerns over governance direction in recent months. These concerns centre on the balance of power, institutional independence and the broader political environment ahead of the general election.
Kunda’s position specifically referenced fears that changes, whether structural or procedural, could shift the country toward a system dominated by a single political force. He called on citizens to resist such outcomes, describing them as inconsistent with Zambia’s democratic history.
The statement comes at a time when political messaging across parties is intensifying, with both ruling and opposition groups positioning themselves ahead of the August polls. Public statements, rallies and media engagements have increasingly focused on defining the narrative around governance and leadership.
Within the broader political landscape, competing narratives have emerged. The ruling party continues to highlight its policy direction and development programmes, while opposition voices have focused on scrutinising decisions and raising concerns over governance.
Kunda’s remarks align with this pattern, placing emphasis on political accountability and the need for citizens to actively engage in shaping the country’s direction. His call to reject “Wamuyayaya” forms part of a wider effort to mobilise support around governance concerns.
No immediate response from the ruling party was indicated within the reporting, though such statements typically contribute to ongoing exchanges between political actors. These exchanges form a central feature of the pre-election environment, where positions are articulated and contested through public discourse.
The term referenced by Kunda has entered political conversation as a point of interpretation, with different actors assigning varying meanings to it. In his remarks, he framed it within a context of power consolidation, using it as a basis for his warning.
Observers note that political rhetoric often intensifies as elections approach, with parties seeking to define issues in ways that resonate with voters. Statements such as Kunda’s reflect attempts to shape public perception and influence engagement.
As the election period draws closer, similar interventions from political leaders are expected to continue, contributing to a dynamic and contested environment. The focus on governance, institutional balance and political competition is likely to remain central to campaign messaging.
Kunda’s call places responsibility on voters to assess the direction being proposed and to make decisions that align with their understanding of Zambia’s democratic framework.
Moyo joins UPND as PF counters with rebranding claims
Second Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Moyo has joined the United Party for National Development, adding to shifting political alignments as the Patriotic Front advances its own narrative of renewed public support ahead of the August general election.
Moyo, who previously held his parliamentary seat as an independent, announced his decision during an event in Eastern Province where he was received by party officials and supporters. He declared his endorsement of President Hakainde Hichilema and indicated that he intends to contest his seat under the ruling party’s banner in the upcoming polls.
His move was accompanied by a wave of defections, with thousands of supporters reported to have joined the ruling party at the same event. Party structures in the province welcomed the development, framing it as consolidation ahead of the election period.
Speaking at the gathering, Moyo cited development projects in his constituency and across the country as the basis for his decision, stating that the current administration had delivered beyond expectations. He pointed to infrastructure works and public services as factors that influenced his shift.
The development places Moyo among a growing list of political figures aligning themselves with the ruling party as campaign season approaches. It also reflects the fluid nature of political positioning in the months leading up to national elections, where alliances and loyalties are actively reshaped.
At the same time, the Patriotic Front has advanced a contrasting position, with party figures stating that public sentiment is turning in their favour following internal restructuring efforts. PF member Chisanga has indicated that the party’s rebranding has begun to resonate with citizens, suggesting a recovery in its support base despite recent defections.
The PF narrative frames its reorganisation as a strategic reset aimed at reconnecting with voters, particularly in areas where the party previously held strong influence. According to statements carried in public reporting, the rebranding effort is intended to reposition the party ahead of the election and rebuild momentum lost after its time in government.
The competing narratives — UPND highlighting incoming support and PF emphasising its rebuilding efforts — reflect the early contours of a contest that is beginning to take shape across the political landscape. Both positions are being advanced through public appearances, statements and mobilisation at constituency level.
Moyo’s decision to join the ruling party carries significance not only because of his parliamentary role but also due to the timing of the move. With the election date approaching, such developments contribute to shaping perceptions of momentum among voters and party supporters.
Political gatherings in various provinces have increasingly become platforms for both recruitment and messaging, with parties seeking to demonstrate strength through visible numbers and endorsements. The reception of defectors and the messaging around their decisions form part of broader efforts to influence the political narrative.
Within UPND, the addition of new members is being presented as evidence of expanding support, while PF continues to project confidence in its restructuring process. The dual messaging underscores a period of heightened activity as parties prepare for the national vote.
The election, scheduled for August 13, is expected to draw participation from multiple parties, with campaign activity likely to intensify in the coming months. Developments such as Moyo’s defection are expected to feature prominently in the lead-up, as both sides seek to define the direction of political momentum.
No formal response from other political actors was indicated within the immediate reporting, though the developments are likely to influence further engagements and alignments across constituencies.
Copper Queens Coach Nora Steps Down Over Women’s Football Strategy Concerns
Nora Häuptle has stepped down from her role as head coach of the Zambia women’s national football team, citing concerns over the long-term strategic direction of women’s football in the country.
In a statement shared on her official LinkedIn account, the Swiss tactician also confirmed that she will not be part of the team’s participation in the upcoming FIFA Series scheduled to take place in Brazil.
Häuptle explained that her decision is rooted in the need for a unified and well-structured approach to developing women’s football in Zambia—one that is anchored on high-performance standards to ensure the Copper Queens remain competitive at the highest level.
She outlined her vision through three key pillars—Love, Unity, and Passion—emphasising that all stakeholders must align their efforts and put players first in order to build a sustainable future for the sport.
In her statement, she tagged several global football bodies including FIFA, CAF, Confederação Brasileira de Futebol, Canada Soccer, and Korea Football Association—a move seen as highlighting broader concerns about the ecosystem surrounding the team.
Despite stepping aside, Häuptle indicated that she remains open to further dialogue and engagement with football authorities in Zambia, expressing willingness to contribute toward building a stronger foundation for the Copper Queens.
Her departure comes at a crucial time for the national team, raising questions about continuity and preparedness as Zambia continues to compete on the international stage.
Government Increases Subsidies for Chiefs Countrywide
Government has implemented an upward adjustment in subsidies for traditional leaders across the country, fulfilling a pledge made earlier by Hakainde Hichilema.
Under the new structure, the four Paramount Chiefs will now receive K18,000, up from K13,000. Senior chiefs will get K16,500, an increase from K11,500, while ordinary chiefs will now receive K15,000, up from K10,000.
Chiefs’ retainers, commonly known as Kapasos, have also benefited significantly, with their allowances rising from K2,500 to K5,500.
The increment follows concerns previously raised by traditional leaders, including Senior Chief Mwamba, who last year lamented that the K11,500 he received was insufficient to meet the demands of running a chiefdom. He noted that chiefs are often expected to support their subjects during funerals and other social obligations.
Senior Chief Mwamba also expressed concern over the declining level of respect accorded to traditional leaders despite their critical role in maintaining order and supporting community welfare.
Responding to such concerns, President Hichilema had, during the Kulamba Traditional Ceremony held in Katete District, promised that chiefs would receive an increment in 2026. Government has now honoured that commitment, with the revised payments effective January 2026.
According to a letter from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, signed by Permanent Secretary for Administration Dr Gabriel Pollen, the new subsidy structure has already been implemented.
The letter further indicated that arrears for January and February 2026 were paid together with the March subsidies and wages. Provincial authorities have since been directed to inform all traditional leaders and their retainers about the changes.
Police Intercept Thieves in Katete Transporting Cattle in Corolla
Three suspected cattle thieves have been apprehended in Katete after police intercepted them transporting stolen livestock in a small Toyota Corolla, turning the vehicle into what authorities described as a “moving kraal.”
The suspects were caught in Kavulamungu Village in Chief Kawaza’s area after a tip-off from a concerned member of the public alerted police to the unusual operation. Acting swiftly, officers mounted an ambush between 01:00 and 06:00 hours, eventually intercepting the vehicle.
Upon inspection, police discovered three cattle—a brown cow, a brown calf and a black-and-white ox—crammed inside the grey Toyota Corolla, registration number ARD 321.
The suspects have been identified as Saiti Mudimba, 51, of Ibex Compound in Katete, who was driving the vehicle, alongside Jonathan Banda, 54, of Kawaza Compound in Sinda District, and Fackson Banda, 34, of Goliath Village in Chief Nyanje’s area.
When questioned, the trio claimed the animals had been given to them by a man identified only as “Aswell” from Mbwindi area near Chikalaba turn-off—an explanation police say is still under investigation.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, stating that the suspects were found in possession of the livestock at the time of arrest.
The suspects are currently in police custody, while the vehicle has been impounded. The recovered cattle have been secured and are awaiting identification by their rightful owner.
Artemis II Crew Returns Safely After Historic Moon Mission
The four astronauts aboard Artemis II have safely returned to Earth after completing a groundbreaking journey around the Moon.
The crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean following a flawless re-entry, marking the successful end of a nine-day mission that took them farther from Earth than any humans in history. They are now recovering aboard a recovery vessel after their long voyage.
Travelling at speeds exceeding 24,000 mph (38,600 km/h), the Orion spacecraft endured extreme conditions during re-entry. Its heat shield faced temperatures reaching about half as hot as the surface of the Sun, demonstrating the spacecraft’s advanced engineering.
During descent, the capsule—named Integrity by the crew—experienced a tense six-minute communication blackout with mission control at NASA in Houston. Relief followed when Commander Reid Wiseman re-established contact, confirming the crew was safe.
Moments later, parachutes deployed successfully, slowing the spacecraft before a smooth splashdown in the ocean. The safe return triggered celebrations among mission teams, marking a critical milestone for the Artemis programme.
The success of Artemis II now paves the way for future missions aimed at landing astronauts on the Moon and eventually establishing a sustained human presence on its surface.
323 Zambians Demand K10 Billion Refund in Lusaka High Court
Three hundred and twenty-three Zambians have taken legal action in the Lusaka High Court, demanding a refund of K10 billion after allegedly being swindled in a suspected pyramid scheme operated under Auteri Jeweller Limited.
The plaintiffs have sued Airtel Mobile Commerce Zambia Limited, MTN Money Limited, and the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority, accusing them of negligence. They argue that the defendants’ platforms were used as conduits for the fraudulent scheme.
In their statement of claim, the victims are seeking compensation for financial losses, as well as damages for mental and emotional distress. They are also asking the court to grant any additional relief it may consider appropriate.
The plaintiffs further allege that ZICTA has not fulfilled its earlier commitment to refund 4 percent of the lost funds to at least 80 percent of the affected individuals.
According to court documents, the suspected fraudster began operations around May 2024, advertising investment opportunities online with packages of up to K200,000. Investors were promised quick returns within periods ranging from one to 49 days.
However, in June 2025, ZICTA reportedly shut down the company’s account, prompting victims to report the matter to police after failing to recover their funds.
The plaintiffs claim they were convinced to invest after the alleged fraudster built trust within communities by participating in social activities such as funerals, church programmes and other public engagements—sometimes in the presence of government officials.
The case, now before the Lusaka High Court, is expected to test the extent of responsibility held by financial service providers and regulators in preventing and responding to online fraud schemes.
