FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya has paid tribute to coach Fighton Simukonda who died on Monday morning.
“I am sad to hear the passing of Coach Fighton Simukonda. Sincere and dedicated man. May his soul rest in peace,” Kalusha tweeted.
Nchanga Rangers coach Simukonda has died at the age of 58.
Nchanga team manager Patrick Nkhata said Simukonda died on Monday morning at Konkola Mine Hospital in Chililabombwe after an illness.
Simukonda was last December admitted to Nchanga Mine Hospital in Chingola because of diabetes.
“Coach Fighton Simukonda died today around 06h00 in Chililabombwe. He has died on his birthday,” Nkhata said.
Simukonda led Zambia to winning the 1998 COSAFA Cup as interim Chipolopolo.
He coached Zesco United, Zanaco, City of Lusaka, Lusaka Dynamos, Konkola Blades, Roan United and Nakambala Leopards among others.
Simukonda won three Super Division titles as coach adding to the five he won as a player at Nkana between 1982 and 1988.
He was named Zambian coach of the year in 2005, 2006 and 2010.
Simukonda also guided Zesco to the group stage of the 2009 CAF Champions League.
He won several cups as a coach that includes the Barclays Cup twice and the BP Top Eight.
May his soul rest in peace. we shall always remember you sir!
Fight..! R.I.P
Iwe Kalusha, you just fired him unfairly a few months ago from the Zambia u23 job. Ba Fighton MYSRIP
Also remember Simukonda was one of the people who took us to Seoul Olympics. After we beat Ghana 2-0 with Lusha and Musonda scoring in Lusaka. Simukonda in Accra scored the crucial goal as Ghana fought back to win 2-1
Iwe Eff Zedian Journalism, do not lie!!!! Simukonda never scored in the qualifier to Seoul Olympics. In the first leg in Lusaka Wisdom Chansa and Kalusha scored in a 2-0 win over Ghana whilst Tony Yeboah scored in the return match in Accra, Ghana 1-Zambia 0. However, Zambia qualified on goal aggregate 2-1. Get your history right.
Comment:
Lest in peace ba coach.
Rest naimwe nimwe baku Luapula?
RIP Fighton Simukonda
One best way of mourning this legend is by bringing to an end this caretaker coach nonsense the FA has been subjecting local coaches to. His resume’ (& that of many local coaches) is something some of these expatriate coaches will only attain in their orgies.
RIP Big Fight.
RIP Fighton Simukonda
I remember Great Kalu used to make Fighton and Gentile (Kapambwe Mulenga) sweat bullets at Shinde Stadium. Fighton would be yelling at Gentile ” Kamake!!! kalapita kalapita!!!.” Those were fun times… MTSRIP