Lazarous Kambole has turned his career around in style. The Zambian striker, who struggled badly during his time at Kaizer Chiefs, is now leading the scoring charts in the Zambian Super League.

Kambole joined the Soweto giants in July 2019 from ZESCO United. Chiefs paid around R3.2 million for him, and fans expected plenty of goals. Things did not work out that way. In 46 appearances for Amakhosi he managed just two goals. The dry spell caused friction with supporters, and at one stage the club even said it was open to loan offers for him.

After leaving Chiefs, Kambole eventually returned home and signed for Nkana FC. He is now in his third season with the Kitwe side. The difference in form has been clear from the start of the 2026/27 season. Kambole has scored three goals in the opening three matches. Nkana sit at the top of their stream, and he was named the Matchday 2 Player of the Week.

His goals have helped Nkana pick up early wins. He netted in the 2-0 victory over Nchanga Rangers and scored a brace as Nkana beat Makeni All Stars 4-1. The 32-year-old looks sharp, confident and happy in front of goal again. For a player who once found the net so rarely in South Africa, the change is striking.

Kambole arrived at Chiefs with a strong record at ZESCO United and experience in African competitions. Many supporters hoped he would follow other Zambian strikers who had succeeded in the Premiership. Instead, he spent most of his time on the fringes and failed to settle. The low goal tally and limited minutes left a sour taste on both sides.

Back in Zambia, the pressure is different and the results are better. Nkana’s early form shows a team that is organised and clinical, and Kambole is playing a big part. Three goals in three games is a solid start, and it has already put him at the top of the scoring charts.

Whether he can keep this up over a full season remains to be seen. Early signs, however, suggest that the striker who once struggled for goals has rediscovered his scoring touch. After the difficult years at Naturena, Kambole looks to be enjoying his football once more. For Nkana and for Zambian football, that is good news.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2112575084988665973