Nkana Football Club Legend Simon Kaluba Chipepo Passes Away at the Age of 99

Simon Kaluba Chipepo, a renowned figure associated with Nkana Football Club, has sadly passed away at the age of 99. He is also known as the father of Mwenya Chipepo, who currently serves as the coach of Power Dynamos.

Chipepo’s son confirmed the news of his father’s passing to Radio Icengelo Sports, stating that Chipepo breathed his last on Saturday morning at Kitwe Teaching Hospital. He had been admitted to the hospital the previous Thursday.

Born in 1924, Chipepo held the distinction of being one of the earliest black footballers to represent Rhokana United, which is now recognized as Nkana Football Club.

During his prime years in the 1950s, Chipepo graced the grounds of Scrivener Stadium in Wusakile, Kitwe, which was later renamed Nkana Stadium.

Chipepo was affectionately known as “Malamba” or the “mine train” due to his remarkable speed on the field. He primarily played as a left back and retired from active football in 1969.

After concluding his playing career, Chipepo remained involved in the football world as a part of the technical staff at the young Nkana academy, where he played a role in mentoring emerging talents like Fred Mwila Senior and the late Urbet Chima.

Before his retirement in 1979, Chipepo worked in the mines under ZCCM. He resided in Kitwe’s Ndeke – Changachanga Township.

The pictures of Chipepo Senior in his Nkana jersey, along with his son Mwenya, serve as a tribute to his enduring legacy.

This story has been adopted from Radio Icengelo.