December 27, 2007
Date of Birth: 4th March 1987.
Place of Birth: Lusaka
Previous clubs: Chiparamba, Edusport (Youth Teams)
Current Club : Lusaka Dynamos
When Zambia National soccer team was preparing for the COSAFA final against arch rivals Bafana Bafana, Zambian football went to NDEKE Hotel were the team was camped and talked to one of the stars in making.
In recent years Zambia has produced some of the best midfield maestros of the continent but they have not lived up to expectations. There’s no doubt in Andrew Sinkala and Gift Kampamba, the talent was there but their non-availability for national duties left many soccer fans not appreciate their talent. Then came Ian Bakala, Isaac’Gattuso’ Chansa and Rainford Kalaba who continue to marshal the Engine room at international level.
It was at world Youth Cup in Canada 2007, when a tipple revelation of midfield maestros was made in Stophira Sunzu, Sebastian Mwansa and William Njovu. In the trio Zambia has again a midfield trinity which can blossom and become world class midfielders. Before the world youth cup in Canada Mwansa had already attended trials with French ligue one side Lille while after the tournament Njovu had a three weeks stint at another French ligue one outfit Lens and Sunzu spent about three months at English premier league side Reading fc.
On 20th October 2007, Zambian football interviewed the hardworking William Njovu and this is how it went…………….
William, you have been played in a lot of positions so far, are you our Michael Essien? And what’s your favourite position?
Well my favourite position is attacking midfield but I don’t mind playing at whatever position I am being asked to play by the coach.
What was the feeling and experience of playing at the world Youth Cup?
It was the greatest feeling I have ever had and a dream come true. And experience wise, I leant a lot of things as you know that was the highest level a youth player can showcase his skills. I was fortunate enough to play against the likes of Gerald Pique (Manchester united) and Capel (Seville) but it was a normal feeling.
Which Zambian players do you look up to?
I think Christopher Katongo (Njovu smiles as he stares at Felix Katongo who was his roommate at the time). He inspires me but mostly his hard work and never say never altitude. The other player is Isaac Chansa as I like his technique and composure.
| This interview was done in October ,2007 |
And what are your dream European club and Favourite player?
Arsenal, because of the way they play. They are a joy to watch and who knows I might find myself there (he laughs) one day. Concerning my favourite player it has to be AC Milan’s Kaka.
Recently you attended trials at French ligue 1 side Lens, what happened?
Basically things didn’t materialise due a number of things but mainly I think it was the language barrier. Inially it was suppose to be a two weeks trials but they extended it to three weeks and I had a day session with the first team were I met Slyvain Wiltold (former arsenal and Lyon Midfielder), John Mensah (Ghanaian international )and Arouna Dindane(Ivory coast international)
William off let we have seen an influx of Zambian players to south African‘s premier soccer league
(PSL). Are you going to follow suit as well?
Personally the PSL will be my last option as I feel I have got the ability to break into one of top leagues of Europe but you never know what happens in football.
And finally are we going to see Willie at next year’s MTN African cup of nations?
It depends with the coach but I am hoping to be there. It will be an honour representing my country again.
William Njovu has been named in Patrick Phiri’ AFCON squad.
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