Red Arrows Football Club brought the curtain down on a thrilling 2025/2026 campaign in majestic fashion on Friday evening 22 May 2026, after hosting a glamorous end-of-season awards and cocktail reception in honour of the club’s remarkable achievements.
The Airmen also used the occasion to officially present the prestigious Absa Cup trophy to the Zambia Air Force as main sponsor of the club, which was presented by Red Arrows captains to the Zambia Air Force Commander, Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Nyoni.
Fresh from dismantling fierce military rivals Green Buffaloes 2-0 at Nkoloma Stadium on the final day of the MTN Super League campaign, the Airmen traded football boots for elegance and celebration as players, Air Force command and service personnel, management, sponsors and partners, supporters, the media and distinguished guests gathered at the Air Force Officers’ Mess in Chamba Valley, Lusaka, for a night dripping with pride, reflection and triumph.
And the Zambia Air Force Commander, Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Nyoni has directed Red Arrows Football Club to aim at going beyond the group stage of the CAF confederation cup competition next season.
Lt Gen Nyoni congratulated and hailed the team for flying the Air Force flag high after a season decorated with Absa silverware, resilient second finish in the league and most importantly the prestigious qualification to the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) cup competition, describing the season worthy of the investment.
He further praised the team’s fighting spirit and challenged the players to dream beyond local dominance.
“What others may view as failure in CAF competitions, we view as a learning phase. Every continental campaign we have participated in the past has exposed us to areas requiring improvement and provided valuable experience for both the players and the technical bench including management and us as sponsors on what we can do differently this time around,” he said.
The Air Force Commander further reaffirmed command’s commitment towards strengthening the club ahead of continental football as Airmen soldier on to represent the country at the continental stage and the local league.
“Our ambition is bigger than local success. We want Red Arrows Football Club to evolve into one of the most respected and competitive clubs on the African continent and domestic league and all competitions,” Lt Gen Nyoni declared to thunderous applause during the colour reception.
Earlier, Club President Col Moses Kambimbi assured the command that, with good preparations, the team will deliver a strong performance in both local and continental competition. Col Kambimbi further thanked the command for its continued support that he said, has helped transform the club to becoming a huge force to reckon with in the super league.
The victory over Buffaloes earlier in the day had perfectly set the tone for the evening, with captain Saddam Yusuf and vice captain Alassane Diarra delivering the goals that sent the Airmen faithful into celebration mode.
The evening also shone brightly on individual excellence as eight deserving players and one loyal supporter were recognised for their outstanding contributions throughout the season.
Each winner walked away with cash prizes, trophies and luxurious gift hampers courtesy of sponsors ZICB in recognition of their commitment to the Airmen cause.
Workhorse Defender Michee Malonga, whose tireless engine and relentless work ethic kept the Airmen ticking throughout the campaign, scooped the Most Appearance Award with K5,000 after emerging as one of the club’s most durable and trusted soldiers across all competitions.
Elegant left-footed baller Godfrey Ngwenya, admired for his composure, discipline and tactical maturity as a utility player, walked away with the Most Disciplined Award worth K5,000.
Rising defensive gem Brian Chilimina was deservedly crowned Most Improved Player and pocketed K5,000 after blossoming into one of the club’s toughest and most dependable defensive pillars, producing fearless displays that announced his arrival on the big stage.
Ever-reliable Cedrick Onyumbe, whose consistency and versatility became a vital weapon in the Airmen’s tactical setup, claimed the Most Consistent Award together with a K5,000 reward after delivering week in and week out with admirable professionalism.
Between the sticks, goalkeeping giant Charles Kalumba was honoured with the prestigious Golden Glove Award and K10,000 following a campaign decorated with breathtaking reflex saves, commanding aerial dominance and heroic performances that often turned defence into attack.
Upfront, lethal forward and Zambia National Team striker Albert Kangwanda secured the Top Scorer Award worth K10,000 after tormenting defenders all season with his explosive pace, ruthless finishing and killer instinct in front of goal.
Meanwhile, creative midfield magician Ackim Mumba walked away with the Player of the Year accolade at the Airmen alongside a handsome K15,000 prize after masterminding Red Arrows’ attacking rhythm with flair, vision and intelligence. His ability to unlock stubborn defences and dictate the tempo made him the heartbeat of the Airmen’s forward thrust throughout the season.
The Air Force Commander’s Special Recognition Award carrying K10,000 was deservedly presented to influential vice captain Alassane Diarra, whose leadership, composure and big game presence played a pivotal role in the club’s successful campaign.
And in a touching moment that captured the soul of the club, Red Arrows’ ever passionate lady supporter Wainess Nyrenda affectionately known as ‘Agogo’, received the prestigious Red Arrows Football Club Supporters’ Lifetime Loyalty Award and K15,000 for her unwavering devotion, unmatched energy and steadfast support for the Airmen through moments of triumph, heartbreak and glory. Lt Gen presented the award and honoured her much to the jubilation of players and all in attendance.
As glasses clinked and celebrations echoed through Chamba Valley Officers Mess deep into the evening, Red Arrows closed the season not merely as cup winners and league runners-up but as a club steadily building an empire grounded in discipline, ambition and military precision.
Having conquered the stories of ABSA Cup final that mattered by producing a ruthless 2-0 masterclass over Power Dynamos in a final that showcased discipline, tactical intelligence and championship mentality played on 10 May 2026 in Ndola, the Airmen have also preserved their intimidating fortress at Nkoloma keeping and maintaining the unbeaten record in the 2025-26 season and marched back into CAF football, determined not just to participate but to soar amongst the continent’s elites.
