End of an Era for Jesse Were at Zesco

Kenyan international Jesse Jackson Were has parted ways with Zambian giants  Zesco United FC after running down his contract.

Were who was on his second stint with Zesco was part of a 10-player list that was released by the club.

Zesco CEO Charles Kalala confirmed the departure of Were alongside former Kaizer Chiefs forward Lazarous Kambole among others.

Others who were shown the door after the expiry of their contracts are Kelvin Kapumbu, Nathan Sinkala, Kezironi Kizito, Samuel Adeyemi, Mwenya Chibwe, Francis Elimbi and Mpho Mathekgane.

“We would like to thank our players for the good job they did at Zesco. We wish them all the best in their next chapter,”  said Kalala.

Were joined Zesco in 2016 after banging in 22 goals for Tusker FC to grab the KPL Golden Boot in style.

He went on to become a cult hero winning four league titles, two ABSA Cup Championships and two Charity Shield honours, before switching to rivals Kansanshi Dynamos in January 2022.

During his first stint between 2016- 2022, the Kibera-borne Star managed 105 goals to become Zesco’s all-time top scorer.  

The former Mathare United man rejoined “Timu Ya Ziko” from Kansanshi Dynamos in 2022 and put his stamp on the club scoring 8 goals and assisting 6.

Despite proving his prowess with 46 goals in 85 games for Tusker between 2013 and 2015, he was overlooked by Harambee stars coaches.

He crossed borders to Zambia where his conversion rate got better but nothing changed.  

The lanky 6-foot-1 striker has always shone brightly for clubs but has little to show for the country having managed only one goal in 26 appearances across different levels.

Were played with fellow internationals David ‘Calabar’ Owino,  Anthony Akumu and John Makwata at different points at Zesco, and leaves goalkeeper Ian Otieno as the last man standing at the club.

Jesse 35, hasn’t made his next move public but may be lured to wind up his playing days at home, with the FKF premier league transfer window open.