THIS past weekend, Sunday to be precise, had been a gloomy one for soccer fans and Zambian football in general.
The day started with the news of the untimely death of former Zanaco coach Keegan Mumba and ended on a worst note when our envoys in the CAF Confederation Cup Zesco United Football Club and CAF Champions League representatives, Nkana FC, got eliminated from their respective competitions despite the former defeating Ghana’s Medeama Sporting Club 1 – 0 in the return leg of the second round played at Mwanawasa Stadium.
Nkana on the other hand suffered one of its worst defeats at the hands of Egyptian giants Zamalek in Cairo.
It understandable to lose to a team like Zamalek. But there is losing with dignity and losing 5 - 0 really borders on national embarrassment.
Moreover the Egyptian league was in recess at some point due to political turmoil in that country. Zamalek is not expected to be so high up there to beat Zambia’s champions 5-0. That kind of outclassing is for real amateur opposition. Orlando Pirates beat Zamalek in Egypt so what excuse can our local league champions give?
I personally don't accept that scoreline from the best of our league. It's very embarrassing. I am very disappointed with my team Nkana. The mediocrity they displayed on the pitch on Sunday left me wondering whether they really know that their bread and butter depend on delivering positive results.
Perhaps it's about time someone reminded our local players that it's not the gate takings in our local league that pay their salaries. They should know that allowances they get come from other people's sweat.
Ours is not the English Premier League where funds are generated from everywhere. Here they have to perform so that they go somewhere and make money for their future.
And now I'm beginning to think Chritopher Katongo was right after all. I think Katongo is now being vindicated.
Our local players lack consistency. They lack the character to fight for the betterment of their future.
Our current crop of players also lack in terms maturity, exposure, mental strength, tenacity, discipline and experience to play at the international level.
And I'm not only directing this at Nkana FC players but every player in any sport in this country.
These things are cardinal and we should trivialize them at our own peril. Yes being young and skillful is an added advantage but it's not enough. Confidence is something that's built over time through properly arranged systems. Players should be well fed to gain proper physical statures.
As a Kalampa fan I can only wonder what my team will do differently when they get a chance to redeem themselves in the Confederation Cup when they go into the knock-out round draws.
And let me send my heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Keegan Mumba and the Zambian soccer community.
Mumba was one of Zambia’s most dynamic coaches and it is a great loss not only to the football fraternity but the country at large. May his soul rest in peace.
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