Al Swehly unveil Zambia winger Lameck Banda on three-year deal

Libyan champions Al Swehly have unveiled Zambia international Lameck Banda on a three-year contract. The 25-year-old left winger joins the club after his departure from Italian side US Lecce, although the Italian club continues to dispute his contractual status.

Banda has been cleared by FIFA to represent Al Swehly while the disagreement remains unresolved. Lecce maintains that he is under contract until June 2027, while the player has moved on to the Libyan champions.

The Serie A club says it activated an option to extend Banda’s agreement and that he signed a document accepting the renewal. Lecce referred the case to FIFA after Banda did not return for pre-season, seeking a ruling on the validity of the contract and any possible consequences.

FIFA’s clearance allows Banda to feature in Al Swehly’s CAF Champions League campaign. The Libyan side will meet Zanzibar champions KVZ FC in the first preliminary round. Progress there would bring a second preliminary-round tie against Tunisian giants Espérance Sportive de Tunis.

The dispute could still carry financial consequences for the Zambia international. If Lecce establishes that Banda broke a valid contract without just cause, the player could face a compensation claim. FIFA’s decision to make him eligible for Al Swehly has therefore not settled the underlying case.

Banda joined Lecce from Maccabi Petah Tikva in the 2022/23 season for €2 million, after earlier spells involving Arsenal Tula and the Israeli club. He is listed with Lecce at a market value of €3.5 million, but his immediate focus is now Al Swehly’s continental campaign.