July 23, 2008
Nchanga Rangers’ legend and international defender Elijah Tana believes displine has been the key for his 13 year old international career.
In the modern days were players have disappeared from the scene despite having great potential, Tana who made his international debut as a 20 year old in 1995 in an invitational tournament in Korea also paid tribute to God.
“There’s time for everything and discipline has always being the key. I have to thank God that I’m still competing at this level against the younger ones,” said the man who has played professional football in Angola, Mexico, Sudan and U.A.E
“Frankly speaking I never knew I would come this far but with God’s blessing I’m still around and raring to go,’’ he told Zambianfootball.net
The 1998 Zambian league winner and part of Fordson Kabole ‘s golden generation that had Moses Sichone, Andrew Sinkala, Ronald Mbabara, Harry Milanzi and Masautso Tembo in their ranks believes experience is needed to guide flesh blood.
“We need to blend experience and raw talent so that we can guide them and work together. And hopefully they will be able to transfer the knowledge and experience to the new players.
Ahead of today’s final squad for Cosafa Senior Challenge, a record of three time winner(1997, 1998 and 2006) of the regional tournament was upbeat about his inclusion in Herve Renard’s 22 man list.
“The preparations are okay. We are encouraging each other, whoever will be picked deserves his place. And I’m very sure I will make the list,” said the jovial and confident 33 year old.
In yesterday’s afternoon session, Tana was paired by Hichani Himonde it what seemed to the ‘B team’ while Billy Mwanza and Francis Kasonde were partners on the other team.
The level headed Tana showed leadership qualities as he was seen giving tips to the younger ones and took every free kick his side won.
What will be the best way of honouring Elijah Tana; a testmonial match ? Lets say the Old Guards v the Current National team. Have Your Say
46 Comments on "Tana: Discipline is the key"
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spaks on Wed, 23rd Jul 2008 10:45 AM
I testimonial match would be nice, unfortunatley with the thirst for money by footballers these days, i doubt we would get all the players to feature, however, my earlier submission that tana should be allowed to play in this years cosafa would be a fitting honour to him
Billy on Wed, 23rd Jul 2008 12:50 PM
I believe is a good defender who needs to be given a chance in this cosafa. A testimonial for him is not a bad idea.
Big Steve from SA on Wed, 23rd Jul 2008 12:57 PM
Old Vs. New is a brilliant idea, all the Masautso’s and Perry Mutapa’s. Dabwitso Nkoma, bring old man but still scoring goals Saileti, Sichone, etc Vs. the Mayukas of this world would be a great testimonial. Even the likes of Kalu could put in a couple of minutes. We need to start doing things like this for our heros. It would probably take off on a slow note but done continusly for great players it will build momentum and what an end to a blossomed career to have a testimonial.
Seen from afar on Wed, 23rd Jul 2008 1:05 PM
I will be happy to see him play Cosafa, i think that’s a good tribute.
My comment about all this today was: (posted on Lusaka Times)
Renard is right for calling out Tana and sticking to his high standards. Except the thing about Tana is a matter of principle, he must look at different ways of forming a strong squad, I doubt Mr Renard has ever seen Tana play for Zambia, and this is a chance to show we have principle and are willing slow done in our pursuit of glory and pay tribute to the man who served selflessly. In sport sometimes it’s the intangibles that make the difference so let’s take time when we have it.
Fred Lung on Wed, 23rd Jul 2008 3:08 PM
Tana has a lot of experience to share with the young one. He is a proven leader on the pitch. definately his rich knowledge of the game and humily will go a long wqay in help Zambia build new key defenders like him. remember, Pereira kept Ronald during the previuos world cup, so was Ghana when inspiring, injured Appiah’s presence was needed in the team (on bend) just to motivate the young ones. The coach seems to be in honest search of a FORMIDABLE team for Zambia.
Mark on Wed, 23rd Jul 2008 5:15 PM
Its good Tana has made it to the final squard.Young guys can learn a lot from him
Mushimwa on Wed, 23rd Jul 2008 7:40 PM
Has the man said he is hanging up his boots? NO,NO! Then why are u people talking about testimonial matches? I believe he stil got some steam in his legs,thats why he’s in the COSAFA team. How old do u think Maldini is? Tana is stil playing!!
desire on Thu, 24th Jul 2008 5:18 AM
yeh man , mushimwa mardini is like39 but still playing and respected or madalas like song 34 still the captain for cameroon if tana is really 33 and still want 2 play for zambia why not give him a chance and see how he performes if he does well may be even use him for togo match you guys should remember how kalu was playing at 1996 afcon when he was 32 like tana said displine is the key good luck zambia.
Ichimpombwa on Fri, 25th Jul 2008 11:29 AM
let Tana continue what he is doing in order to encourage other old timers that they can still make a contribution , as witnessed by old guards like Gift ‘ OKOCHA ‘Kampamba at Nkana. It will give them a reason to keep playing.
emmanuel(mano)chali on Fri, 25th Jul 2008 11:41 AM
Iam also happy to see the way Tana hsa exppressed himself thru out his career.He is really of help to the young lads.So it is my appeal to the coaching staffs to atleast include him in a line up.I f I may remember very well.Tana was among the guys who won the first cosafa cup in 1997, so I think he has a lot of experience in helping the lads aswell as the nation.Look at here in Italy them do not run awy from the old ones becoz there are of help to the young generation.Good lack zambia