May 28, 2008
New Chipolopolo coach Herve Renard, has expressed his displeasure as the way the Zambia national soccer team has been leaking goals.
And one area which worries most soccer fans is the central defence. Since the Afcon finals in Ghana, a lot of centre halves partnership have emerged; from Billy Mwanza and Kennedy Nkhetani, Chintu Kampamba and Hichani Himoonde, Charles Siyingwa and Eugene Shamakamba and more recently Sanida Zulu and Whiteson Simwanza.
From all the permutations that has been tried, Renard has settled for an experienced partnership of Mwanza and Chintu for this Saturday’s crash against Togo.
But back home, there’s one defender, the national team selectors haven’t given chance; former under-20 star, Nyambe Mulenga.
Nyambe spent last season at demoted side Forest Rangers before joining 2007 league Champions Zesco United.
Like father, like son
The 20 year old is a son of former Zambia defender, the late Eston ‘Yellow Man’ Mulenga who died in that fatal plane tragedy that happened April 28,1993.
Eston ‘Yellowman’ Mulenga on the bench at Seoul Olympics in 1988.
FAZ executive committee member Marcha Chilemena described Eston Mulenga. “He had priceless qualities of keeping opposing strikers at bay.
“His man to man tight marking and tackling skills earned him a comparison with the former world player of the year, the German defender Lothar Mathaus. Estone was really a defender which no team in the world can bench,” said Chilemena
Nyambe who was the pillar of the class of ’07 that reached the last 16 at the World Youth Cup believes he can emulate his father-King Yellow.
“I want to have the same success as my late father. He will always be my hero,” he told Zambiafootball.com after Zesco United drew 0-0 against Lusaka Dynamos on Saturday.
“At the moment ‘am just waiting for my chance and to be frank i haven’t seen a good centre-back in the national team,” he said confidently.
Tough guy
The Chingola born missed the first match against Jordan at Canada 2007 tourney due to suspension but he returned in the second match against Spain.
The tough-tackling starlet saw his name entered in the referee’s book for bookable offence and in a must win match against Uruguay, Nyambe was again booked before earning himself a second card which ultimately saw him given matching orders in the 40th minute.
With such kind of background, most soccer fans questioned his credentials.
“I know many people thought i did that deliberate. But thats my game, look at (Nemanja) Vidic, he is a tough guy.
“I always want to give 100% in each and every game I play especially when ‘am putting the Chipolopolo jersey,” he said.
“Sometimes its not just your day and I learnt from the World Cup experience. I believe if I played the Nigeria match we could have advanced to the quarterfinals.
“I apologized to my colleagues and the coaches (George Lwandamina & Oswald Mutapa Jr). The coach had to play Willie(Njobvu) as a makeshift centre-back in my absence against what was planned,” he added.
After seeing a bit of instability at the heart of the senior team. Nyambe is ready to test his strength against the best centre forwards on the continent.
“My dream has always been to play for the Chipolopolo and I’m ready for challenge. First I have to prove myself at Zesco then maybe the coach will consider me for selection,”
So far this season he has started all Zesco United’s league and continental matches.
45 Comments on "Nyambe Mulenga: I want to emulate my father"
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Anonymous on Thu, 29th May 2008 5:28 AM
He is a good Defender,he just needs to mature!.Lets give him time & counsel.