Football analyst suggests Idana seeks retirement package at Zanaco FC

After two and a half seasons with Silver Strikers, midfielder Chimwemwe Idana has officially joined Zambian club Zanaco FC. The “Central Bankers” announced his departure on Monday, confirming his move to the Zambian “Bankers.”

Idana initially joined Silver Strikers on loan from Tanzania’s Mbeya FC. He was later signed permanently after Mbeya FC breached his contract by failing to pay him for four months, leading to its termination.

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During his tenure at Silver Strikers, Idana played a key role in the team’s successes, helping them secure the 2024 TNM Super League title and the NBS Bank Charity Shield Cup. He also contributed to their runs to the finals of both the Castel Challenge and the Airtel Top 8 Cup.

Speaking to BolaNews earlier today, Idana expressed his excitement about joining Zanaco, and he hopes to make a strong impression in the Zambian league.

“I am happy for this; it has been a long wait for it to finally come true. I cannot say what I was doing in Malawi will be the same in Zambia. Mine is a prayer that God should be with me — it is possible once God is involved,” he said.

Analyst: “Idana is in the twilight of his career”

Football analyst Twaha Chimuka offered a candid assessment of Idana’s move, suggesting the midfielder is past his prime and seeking a “retirement package” in Zambia.

“I think we discovered him too late,” Chimuka Nation Sports. “He was at his peak when he was playing for Bullets Reserves. That was the time when he was supposed to play for a foreign club, but it did not happen.”

Chimuka further elaborated on Idana’s career trajectory: “He could have played for Mbeya FC, but it didn’t work out, and he had to come back home. Now that he has clinched a deal with Zanaco FC, it’s good for him because he is in the twilight of his career.

“Currently, he has to play for money. He is no longer a Flames player. He needs a retirement package, which I am sure he will get at the end of this two-year deal with Zanaco.

Before his move to Silver Strikers, Idana was a significant figure at Nyasa Big Bullets (NBB). He joined the main team in 2018 after being promoted from the NBB Reserve squad, then coached by Enos Chatama.

In his six years with the “People’s Team,” Idana achieved considerable success, winning four league titles, the Airtel Top 8, and the FDH Cup. He was also named Player of the Season in the 2020/21 campaign.