[1] He found established players such as Samuel Ndhlovu, George Sikazwe, Pennius "Kapenta"Chirwa, the Mvula brothers Goodson and Sandford, John Mwewa, Edward Musonda, James Phiri, Kenneth Simwanza, Joseph Menzu, Patrick Nkole, Rodson Chewe, Laurent Chishala and Richard "Magician" Changwe.
Later, younger players like Bedford Kaputo, Tolomeo "Juva" Mwansa, Willie "Orlando" Kunda, Elijah "Kapilipili" Mwale, Joseph "Kanono" Musonda and Makwaza himself, started featuring more prominently in the team.
[2] In 1964, Makwaza switched to defence when Wanderers travelled to Chingola to play Nchanga Rangers with a shortage of defenders as "Kanono" Musonda was unavailable due to work duties with the mines.
To the pleasant surprise of his teammates and coaches, Makwaza gave a good account of himself and it was decided to make the move permanent.
[4] In 1965, Makwaza made his debut against Kenya in September 1965 when Zambia won the Rothmans Soccer trophy in a three match series in Ndola, Kitwe and Lusaka.
However, Makwaza returned to lead the team to, as well as feature in, that year's Independence Cup final which they lost to Roan United 3–2.
[12] A dejected Makwaza attributed the loss to his players taking the game casually and issued a public apology for the debacle – "I hope that any team that will be given a chance to represent the country in future will do better than us.