What the Papers Say
- Thursday, January 3, 2008, 3:41
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The extracts on this page are taken from selected national newspapers. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of Zambianfootball.
Germany-Based midfielder Andrew Sinkala has withdrawn from the Zambia national soccer team that will be travelling to the Ghana African Cup of Nations because of ill-health.
Sinkala, of German Two-Bundesliga team Paderborn, said he was still unwell and had struggled to get well.
“I’m not well and I can’t force matters. I sometimes experience high temperatures and chest pains,” he said.
Sinkala said he was saddened that he could not recover on time to feature for the country at the prestigious Nations’ Cup tournament. “I wish to apologise to my country and my fans for this but I have no control over my health. I was really looking forward to play in Ghana but I’m not okay,” he said.
“Every player craves to represent his country at the Nations’ Cup but unfortunately, I will not be there because I don’t even know when I will be discharged.”
The influential midfielder said he had hoped to get well much earlier and regain fitness but had failed. “I have tried to work hard so that I regain my fitness but I have failed,” Sinkala said in a low tone. “I will just be with the team in spirit and follow the games from here. I would have loved to be Ghana but I feel this Africa Cup will really be competitive.” And Chipolopolo Boys coach Patrick Phiri said Sinkala’s absence was a blow to his plans for the African Cup finals.
The 28 year-old former Nchanga Rangers, Bayern Munich and FC Koln player has played in three Nations Cup tournament in 2000, 2002 and 2006.-The Post
ZAMBIA’S ambitions at the 2008 Ghana Africa Cup of Nations have suffered a major blow following the withdrawal of midfield genius Andrew Sinkala who has been hospitalised again.
Sinkala’s withdrawal leaves coach Patrick Phiri without a dependable defensive and precise ball-distributing midfielder.
Sinkala’s withdrawal leaves coach Patrick Phiri without a dependable defensive and precise ball-distributing midfielder.
With Moses Sichone’s availability perpetually in doubt, Elijah Tana still roaming in Zambia and Collins Mbesuma needing magical recovery, Phiri needs a serious shift from his original plans.
When contacted, Phiri expressed sadness that Sinkala would miss the tournament.
“Oh no, it is sad news that he has been admitted again. We will miss his services because he is a dependable member of the national team,” said Phiri from Jerez, Spain, yesterday. -Daily Mail
Daily Mail also reported that Zambian striker Collins Mbesuma has come under fire from fans at Turkey side Bursaspor following his poor show.
Mbesuma, who has hardly featured for the Turkish side, moved to Bursaspor on a three-year deal after his season long loan expired at Club Sport Maritimo in Portugal.
According to Bursaspor.net, fans are disappointed with Mbesuma’s input since joining the team in August last year.
“The fans are not happy with the transfer of Mbesuma but the club administration is not making any announcement about mid-season transfers.
It looks like Mbesuma will stay at Bursaspor,” a translated version from Turkish Bursaspor.net reads.
The player’s weight is another concern the club fans are worried about the Zambian.
Former Kaizer Chiefs coach, Ted Dumitru, had indicated in 2005 that Mbesuma required physical punishment before moving to Europe.
Photo by Jean Mandela
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