Alex Chola

Chola was born in Lubumbashi where his father went to work and he reportedly played for local club Solbena F.C. before moving to Ndola as a teenager. After a brief stay, he left for Mufulira and signed with Division II side Mufulira Blackpool in 1974.

Mufulira Blackpool

Chola's exceptional skills were evident from an early age and he forged a sharp frontline with giant striker John 'Fuso' Lengwe, Lee Mulenga and player-coach Simon "Kaodi" Kaushi. Blackpool won promotion to the Zambian top league and in April 1975, Chola ended defending league champions Green Buffaloes long unbeaten run with a clinical finish at Blackpool's home ground John Kachofa Stadium in Mufulira. It was the first league defeat in over a year for Buffaloes, who had won the title in 1974 without losing a single game. In July of that same year, Blackpool captain John Botha was removed and suspended indefinitely for issuing disparaging press statements against Kaushi, and Chola was named the new skipper at the age of 19. Chola was linked with several clubs during his time at Blackpool. Mufulira Wanderers, Rokana United and Green Buffaloes were all after his signature at some point but Blackpool managed to hold on to their prized asset. In Buffaloes' case, the player changed his mind when told he had to enlist with their sponsors Zambia Army because he wanted to maintain his civilian status and the move to Wanderers did not materialize as it was believed that such a move would have soured…

Chola got involved in coaching as early as 1976, coaching youngsters in the Buseko Community Centre Club as trainer of the U-14 team which featured Kalusha Bwalya. In April 1983, Dynamos coach Freddie Mwila spoke of some 'first-choice' players coercing junior colleagues in a futile attempt to oust him from his position. 'A star is only as good as his last game,’ he said. 'Some of these senior players have been below par so far and (Technical Advisor) Bill McGarry and myself have been shouting at them about this. After all, I get paid for shouting at them because that is my job. In August 1985, Dynamos lost a BP Challenge Cup first round match to Division I side City of Lusaka 3-0 which upset Mwila who suggested a "change of coaches may bring some spark into the team because he may have been telling them the same old techniques". He singled out Chola as a possible candidate for his job. There were reports of dissension from the players as well, unhappy with Mwila's attitude towards them. He resigned and Chola took over, although Dynamos surrendered the title to bitter rivals Nkana Red Devils and the Champion of Champions trophy to Wanderers. The players though, said they were very happy with Chola's training methods. Five years after leaving Dynamos, Mwila made a sensational return as coach amid reports of some players boycotting training upon hearing the news. Chola was relegated to the role of assistant coach with Scotsman Jim Bone as Technical Advisor. Rechristened 'Power…

Club Honours

Zambian Premier League: 1984 Independence Cup: 1976, 1980 and 1982 Champion of Champions Cup: 1980, 1981, 1984 Individual Honours

Zambian Footballer of the Year: 1976 Zambian Coach of the Year: 1992