[1] In his first season with Roan, he helped the club reach the final of the Shell Challenge Cup which they narrowly lost 3–2 to Kabwe Warriors.

[2] He inspired his team to an Independence Cup final appearance where they lost to Division I newcomers Power Dynamos 7–6 on post-match penalties in October 1979.

The following season, Ndola were again in another final, this time in the Challenge Cup and a decade after his first disappointment, Kalambo struck gold as United gunned down Green Buffaloes 3–2 after extra-time in Lusaka with the odds heavily stacked against them, Harrison Bwalya setting them on their way with two goals.

In 1984, he joined Ndola Lime FC as player-coach and stayed with the team for two seasons after which he quit playing to concentrate on coaching.

Kalambo first played for Zambia Schools from 1971 to 1973 before making his debut in a World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia on 15 April 1973 when he replaced Ackim Musenge in midfield.

Afterwards, Kalambo said Buselic gave him the starting berth because he knew the Ugandans as he had played them during his time with Zambia Schools.

"Four veterans remain behind" Times of Zambia, 22 November 1977, p. 8 As a result, he missed that year's CECAFA tournament but was reinstated due to a noticeable weakness in the left-back position and fans demanded his return.

Although he led Zambia to CAN 1982 he was carrying an injury and after recovering, only featured once in the third and fourth play-off win over Algeria, due to the emergence of the impressive young left-back John Kalusa of Rhokana United.

He was also United's chief scout and used his position as Community Development Officer at the council, Ndola's sponsors, to recruit the best players from the townships of the city.