Banda filled in again as the FAZ looked for an expatriate coach and his immediate task was to steer Zambia past Uganda in a World Cup qualifier and he managed this thanks in no small part to Godfrey Chitalu’s brace in a 4–2 win on 27 February 1977 in Ndola.
Banda was then replaced by Bill McGarry but he bounced back two years later, when he took over from Jeff Butler and led the team to their first ever CECAFA success in Uganda in December 1984.
[3] They however lost to Algeria 3–0 on aggregate to bow out of the race but knocked out Nigeria of the CAN ‘86 qualifying run after a 0–0 draw in Lagos and 1–0 win in Lusaka.
After a disappointing first round exit at Egypt ‘86 which Banda attributed to inadequate preparations, he was relieved of his duties and he went back to his army post.
After some time out of the limelight, Banda resurfaced as coach of Young Eagles and the retired army officer is confident of leading the team to the Premier League.