)
Reports indicate Kenyan defender Dennis Ng’ang’a could seek full contract compensation as Zanaco FC faces potential penalties over roster violations.
Kenyan international defender Dennis Ng’ang’a is caught in the center of a brewing storm at Zanaco FC and he may be entitled to a full payout if the Zambian club fails to rectify its foreign player overage.
In a season poised to test Zanaco’s limits, FIFA's intervention could turn costly, particularly for the club’s handling of Ng’ang’a, who now faces an uncertain future despite signing a fresh two-year deal just months ago.
According to Zambian journalist Bwezani Mbewe, it all began when Zanaco FC opted to stack its roster with international talent, disregarding the Football Association of Zambia’s (FAZ) regulation that strictly limits foreign players to six per team.
)
07:07 - 29.10.2024
Why Gor Mahia coach cracked the whip on four players ahead of disappointing City Stars defeat
Gor Mahia coach Leonardo Neiva was forced to rein in on his players yet again when he dropped four from the squad that lost to Nairobi City Stars over a number of issues.
With eight international stars from Kenya, Cameroon, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zanaco looked formidable on paper, but they soon found themselves under fire from FAZ for failing to trim their numbers to meet the league’s restrictions.
"Despite FAZ’s repeated warnings, Zanaco pushed forward, renewing contracts and signing new players as if there were no rules to follow," narrated Mbewe.
Despite repeated warnings, Zanaco seemed committed to pushing boundaries.
While some clubs scrambled to comply, Zanaco stood firm, renewing contracts and signing additional foreign players as if the rules did not apply.
As the season loomed, however, pressure mounted on Zanaco to make adjustments.
)
05:11 - 29.10.2024
7 worst stadium disasters in African football that still haunt the game
Football in Africa has witnessed tragic stadium disasters often due to overcrowding and inadequate safety measures during high-stakes rivalries.
They made a late attempt to comply by transferring Charles Lawu to Napsa Stars, but even with that move, they were left with seven foreign players—one over the limit.
In a final effort to align with regulations, Zanaco decided to drop Ng’ang’a from the squad list. Having been a key player for Kenya’s Gor Mahia in their 2022-23 league-winning season, this decision stunned fans and players alike.
Not only was Ng’ang’a left out, but he was also reportedly sent home after the registration deadline passed, essentially sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
'A bitter pill to swallow'
"This was a tough one for Dennis,” said a source close to the player.
“He had offers on the table but chose to stay with Zanaco because he believed in the project they were building here. To be treated this way after signing a new contract is a bitter pill to swallow."
)
20:30 - 28.10.2024
Five critically injured footballers evacuated as Zambia mourns seven lost in tragic team bus crash
A tragic accident claimed the lives of seven Zambian footballers, leaving the nation in mourning and raising questions on safety.
For Ng’ang’a, who started his professional journey with Nairobi City Stars before stints at Tusker FC, KCB and Wazito FC, the move to Gor Mahia marked a high point in his career.
At Gor Mahia, he transitioned into a central defender and helped anchor the defence, leading to their successful 2022-23 league campaign.
His experience made him a sought-after player and Zanaco’s decision to re-sign him seemed to reflect their belief in his potential impact on the team.
Yet, Zanaco’s oversight in handling foreign player registrations could mean the club faces financial consequences beyond the field.
Should FIFA rule in Ng’ang’a’s favor, Zanaco could be ordered to pay him his contract in full as compensation for the club’s failure to comply with FAZ rules and the subsequent impact on his career.
A serious oversight
“It’s disappointing to see a club so casual about these regulations, especially when it’s a player’s livelihood on the line,” commented a Zambian football analyst Vicor Kalumba.
“If FIFA gets involved, it’s likely Zanaco will have to pay for this oversight. Dennis Ng’ang’a’s case is solid because he wasn’t dropped for performance reasons but due to a simple numbers game the club failed to manage.”
)
06:10 - 28.10.2024
Harambee Stars, have you forgotten the weight of red, white & green jersey?
Harambee Stars face scrutiny after a disappointing loss to South Sudan in CHAN qualifiers, sparking questions about preparation, commitment, and the pride behind wearing Kenya's national jersey.
Ng’ang’a’s plight underscores the risk clubs take when bending rules, particularly in leagues with strict player limits.
Not only does it compromise the careers of players who find themselves suddenly out of a job, but it also places the club’s reputation and finances in jeopardy.
For Kenyan fans the hope remains that Ng’ang’a will be compensated fairly for his contract and that his experience in Zambia will not deter other Kenyan talents from exploring opportunities across the border.
If FIFA finds Zanaco guilty, Ng’ang’a stands to gain more than just a payout; he could regain his pride and send a strong message on behalf of players affected by such administrative oversights.
But for now he watches from the sidelines a talented player whose career in Zambia was derailed not by his own doing, but by the simple mismanagement of numbers.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)