Who is the player of the season for the Zambian Super League defending champions Zesco United? Ben A

Zesco United's Colombian fans would agree that the club bought very well in the last summer transfer window during the Christmas pre-season. Anthony Akumu was definitely a fantastic deal, and in addition we did acquire a very good defender in Ben Adama Banh, formerly of Guinean champions AS Kaloum. My name is Alejandra Buitrago and I give you an in-depth analysis as to how they have fared so far this season, and how they have impacted Zesco United's footballing philosophy.

Anthony Akumu – 10/10

Akumu has probably been the steal of the transfer window across the transfer spectrum. No new summer recruit, possibly in the whole of African football, has been so good for his club. High profile transfers with huge price tags have failed to perform as well as him. In every single game he has been brilliant. Except for the semi-final second leg game against Mamelodi Sundowns where the whole team looked in total disarray. For most of the season, the Kenyan powerhouse midfielder has been unplayable. Jesse Were has been in amazing scoring form, and that is the only reason why Akumu’s performances are being overshadowed. But otherwise, Akumu has been one of Zesco's best players this season.

Jesse Were – 7/10

In addition signing Akumu, Zesco United should still go after the likes of Leonardo Castro and Chisom Chikatara. Jesse Were has been really impactful. From a player who famously put 4 goals past Mufulira Blackpool, we cannot ask for more. Against Al Ahly in Egypt in the CAF African Champions' League, Jesse Were scored a brace in style, showing he can handle the pressure of playing up front for an African footballing powerhouse. That front two needs to be beefed up, and the Kenyan international needs to be partnered by a big guy like Leonardo Castro or Chisom Chikatara.

Ben Adama Banh – 8/10

Zesco United's Colombian fans were always convinced that Ben Adama Banh was a talented defender, and of course, he has a very powerful neck and a bullet header in him which he can utilize to score from set-pieces. He has been one Zesco United’s best central defenders. Between, Banh and Owino, the Kenyan has been the most reliable, and has led the defensive lines well. He was unlucky to not get a goal in the first leg game of the CAF African Champions' League semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns, and he still looks so comfortable with the ball at his feet. Strong in the air, the former AS Kaloum man looks quite settled now, and will central to Zesco United’s much-needed improvement in defense, and is proving his worth.

Ayo Oluwafemi – 8/10

Remember when Simon Silwimba was signed from Zanaco FC, nobody knew much about him. However, he now happens to be one of the best defenders in the Zambian Super League. Ayo Oluwafemi seems to be of the same breed. The Nigerian left back arrived at Zesco United in the 2015 Christmas pre-season summer transfer window with prior top flight experience in the South African league. His seemless transition to Zambian football has been jaw dropping. Over the course of the last two seasons, Oluwafemi has been seen marauding down the left flank, and defending when needed. In the CAF African Champions' League, he has done it with much aplomb. The Nigerian seems to have developed a good understanding with John Chin'gandu. And his crosses down the left seem delightful. If he keeps on playing the way he is at the moment, Zesco United will definitely win the Champions' League within the next two seasons.

Thank you for reading, my name is Alejandra Buitrago, follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/alejandra.buitrago.16906