January 10, 2008
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elijah tana
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Despite the current Chipolopolo Boys’ trainer Herve Renard stating that ‘Tana cannot compete at this level,” after the 33 year old was recalled back to the national team set up in July 2008.
Renard surprisingly included the veteran in his Cosafa Senior Challenge squad and the Nchanga Rangers centre back started Zambia’s first two matches at the Southern Africa regional tournament.
Elijah Tana belongs to the elite group of Zambian players who have worn the famous green, white and copper jersey for over a decade. He is the longest and most experienced saving member of the Chipolopolo boys.
Tana who’s been described as a super rock by international soccer commentators is very vocal and determined; he gives his all in every game, demanding the same from his teammates.
The 33 years old defensive stalwart, who is not to be confused with Elijah Litana (marshaled the Zambian defence together in the 1998 COSAFA Castle Cup final), started his playing career with a local side Roan United before trekking to Nchanga Rangers in 1996.
At ‘Brave’ Rangers, Tana found Moses Sichone, Harry Milanzi, Matsauso Tembo, Laughter Chilembe, Andrew Sinkala and Ronald Mbambara. He formed one of the best central defensive partnerships with Sichone ever to be seen in the league in recent years and they helped Rangers to win the FAZ Premier League in 1998.
Despite making his international debut in 1995, Tana failed to hold down a regular place in the national team and he was limited only to less important games- COSAFA Castle Cup games and friendly games subsequently missing out on the 23 man squad for the 1998 Burkina Faso African Cup of Nations as Litana and Harrison ‘Wawa’ Chongo were preferred.
The defence pillar however bounced back as he helped Zambia win its successive COSAFA Castle Cup in 1998. He was also in the starting XI for the inaugural triumph.
He enters every game refusing to contemplate defeat. The Zambian fans love him for it. The Nchanga Rangers has carved a deserved reputation as one of the most commanding center halves boasting impeccable tackling skills, aerial strength and huge strength on the ball was part of the famous late Ben Bamfuchile’s (1999-2000) squad that went unbeaten in the Ghana/Nigeria 2000 AFCON qualifying matches.
Tana was part of 2000 AFCON squad that was booted out in the group stages.
Tana’s outstanding performances in the qualifiers did not go unnoticed as it earned him a professional contract with Mexican side, Toluka. But unfortunately Tana returned home just after one season.
The defence pillar became a vital member of the Chipolopolo team under Dutchman Jan Brower. After guaranteeing the Copper bullets qualification, the Dutchman was suspended by CAF from all FIFA and CAF organized matches and this forced FAZ to recall Roald Poulsen (drilled Zambia between 1994 and 1996 to take charge at the 2002 Mali African Cup of Nations.
Poulsen built his defence around Tana. It was at the 2002 AFCON finals that his abilities came out of age as one of the Africa’s best defender. He was immense at the back as he kept red hot Senegalese striker El Hadji Diouf quiet.
Former Chipolopolo Boys Coach Brower was recruited at Angolan giants Petro Athletico de Luanda and one of his first signing was the defence Kingpin in 2003. Tana was there for two seasons and won the Angolan league title.
One of his lowest moments was when his back pass to goalkeeper Davies Phiri was intercepted by a Benin striker and led to their third goal (Zambia lost 3-1); this led Zambia’s failure to qualify for 2004 AFCON and coach Phiri was subsequently sacked.
In 2005, Tana signed for United Arab Emirates’ Al Jazira in the oil rich league and he only spent a season there. Sudanese giants El Merreikh, coached by Germany Otto Pfister snapped him for free. But Tana had an injury plagued 2006/07 season as his club reached the 2007 CAF Confederation Cup final.
The only real disappointment to be taken from Tana’s thrilling career is his failure to break into one of Europe’s elite leagues despite being one of the top performers at international level. He has attended trials once in Europe with Belgium side Genk.
Zambia trainer Patrick Phiri named the experienced defender in his provisional squad for Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations but Tana missed the flight with the rest of the team on Christmas day as the team was departing for a training Camp in Spain.
This infuriated coach Phiri to drop Tana for the finals but after losing Sinkala (illness) and Sichone (rib injury) and fans’ outcry (fans threated to match-Tana for Ghana) to have him recalled, Phiri bowed to pressure.
But the soft spoken coach had the ‘final say’ as the Tana wasn’t included in the final 23 man squad.
48 Comments on "Elijah Tana"
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isaac on Fri, 11th Jan 2008 9:36 AM
i fill that on paper, phiri has a strong team,hower,we just to support the team in spirit.
Seen from afar on Sat, 12th Jan 2008 9:13 PM
This man embodies the true spirit of Zambia. His contribution and devotion, when we needed it most, was/is simply unwavering.
ben mulongoti on Tue, 15th Jan 2008 12:47 PM
So far your site is the best among the ZD sites.