September 30, 2008
One of the Fan Zone’s main contributor, Chanda Sakulanda comparing Zambia’s latest teenage whiz kids; Emmanuel Mayuka, 17 and Rodger Kola, 19.
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They are being earmarked as Zambia’s symbol of present and future; two of the most promising sons of Zambian football go head to head. They both made their mark on football scene in 2007 at the World Youth Cup in Canada.
World Cup
They are best pals who have almost the same record on target for mother Zambia at international level. Too many Zambian fans say they are like the Cristiano. Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney of Manchester United, both with very bright futures.
Both players were not part of squad that represented Zambia at the 2007 African Youth Cup but when they were handed the opportunity, they took it with both hands.
Since making their debut in Canada, the duo are being slowly blended into the senior national team set up.
In the last nine months, the exciting teen strikers have scored 23 goals in all competitions between them.
Emmanuel Mayuka (Kabwe Warriors) v Rodger Kola (Zanaco)
He went on to score the opening goal in the 1994 Africa cup replica…..’Nigeria v Zambia’ However, ’The Super Eagles’ come out victorious again with the game ending 2-1 as in 1994.
‘’The 16 year boy with the man’s stamina.”
Emmanuel ‘Bomber’ Mayuka despite being the youngest in the Zambian squad made the biggest name at the tournament. He had two assists in the do or die match against Uruguay
A cross from the right wing that found strike partner Kola in box resulting in a goal and the penalty that was scored by Clifford ‘The Master’ Mulenga.
Scoring on international debut
After the World Youth Cup, Mayuka , then school boy made his international debut against Mozambique in the semi finals of the 2007 Cosafa Cup in August.
Mayuka scored one of the three goals and celebrated his first ever goal for Zambia at any level with football’s most expensive celebration- Back flips- please don’t try it home!
For Kola he had to wait for five months or so to earn his full international against Swaziland in newly formed Chan qualifiers and the 19 year old dubbed with a debut goal.
Trials
Mayuka has attended trials at Germany giants, Hertha Berlin, Reading fc of England and Portugal’s Sporting Lisbon. And just last week, he was at Israeli side Maccabi Haifa- (Rumour has it that he has signed a two year deal).
But on the other side, his dream move to Portuguese giants, Fc Porto is still on ???? Watch this space
Kola spent a month at Swedish side Hamkam and also attended trials at Real Madrid of Spain.
In July 2008, Kola was believed to have clinched a deal with Russian club Spartak Nalchik but the deal fell through due to adminstrative problems.
Zambian Premier League
Despite both starlets having an on and off campaign in the local league due to international commitments their goal ratio on the local scene has been impressive averaging a goal in every two games.
They have scored 14 league goals between them; 7 apiece (2 goals behind leading scorer Mathews Macha of Nchanga Rangers) this season.
This is Kola’s debut season in the Zambian top flight. Last season, he was playing in the lower (Division 2) for Edusport United.
It is contrary for ‘Bomber’. Mayuka scored 15 goals for Kabwe Warriors last season including a hat-trick in the BP Top 8 final.
Under-20 & 23
Mayuka scored against Mauritius while Kola’s only goal came on Sunday against Egypt. The duo have only featured once at this level.
Kola is yet to make his Under-23 debut while Mayuka scored on his first start against Mali.
Senior National Team
We have seen Herve Renard use these boys regularly but lately Kola has been seen more on target. Kola’s trade mark is mainly his strength in the air while Mayuka’s skills and bicycle kicks are just so great to watch.
Kola followed his debut goal against Swaziland with a goal-mouth scramble against Botswana making it two-in-two.
But again it was his colleague who stole the show with a stunning bicycle kick (v Botswana) in front of then new Chipolopolo Boys trainer Herve Renard.
In the Frenchman’s second match in-charge, Kola came from the bench to score in Zambia’s 3-2 loss to Iran.
For Mayuka, he had to wait for three months to score his first goal under Renard and it came through individual brilliance against Madagascar in the Cosafa Senior Challenge.
During the national team’s 10-day camp in Germany last month, Kola scored a brace against a Germany third tier side SV Bonlanden. (Goals from this match are not counted).
Best Goal
Mayuka’s bicycle kick against Botswana was awesome but again his individual effort against Madagascar is also worth mentioning.
His (Kola) performance against City of Lusaka in the local league should be his highlight.
He made one assist for Chisamba Lungu and scored two. His second goal of day was purely based on technique. Remember Thierry Henry’s curling 30 yard goals in the English Premier League- it was a replica of one of them.
Personal honours
Emmanuel ‘Bomber’ Mayuka
-2007 Cosafa Under-20 top scorer
-2007 Zambian Young Player of Year
-2008 Cosafa Senior Challenge (v Madagascar) Man of the Match
-2007 Bp Top 8 final Man of the Match
- Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations youngest player aged 17 years, 68 days
-11 goals in all competitions (2008)
Rodger ‘The Leathal Weapon’ Kola
-2007 World Youth Cup (Zambia) top scorer with two goals
-12 goals in all competitions (2008)
Who do you think is better between Rodger Kola and Emmanuel Mayuka? And give your reason.
78 Comments on "Comment: Mayuka v Kola"
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Mulala on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 7:20 AM
Both are better. It depends on the context in which one sees them.
chilewe on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 7:58 AM
kola tends to be ineffective on the big stage-where it matters the most.it would seem to me that his the sort of player that impresses the most during training & friendly matches but lacks the pedigree to deliver when it matters the most.mayuka is a player who always seems to need to prove himself.overall i think that mayuka has an edge over kola
Mphatso on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 8:15 AM
Its clear to all that both players are greatly talented and have a bright future if they stay disciplined. But I think Mayuka is a bit superior to Kola. He’s got the physical strength and the flair. He reminds me of Nigeria’s Yakini and Yakubu, and Kenneth Malitoli locally. Kola is fast, sharp, but a bit weak physically. Mayuka is a complete striker to me.
Conrad on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 8:25 AM
i think Kola has an edge over Mayuka. if you have closely watched you will agree with me Kola is “all time busy” and keeps defender on thier toes, Mayuka is “on and off” but when he comes on he comes with superb briliance.
Vincent Numbwa on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 8:28 AM
To start with I honestly do not think we are doing the right thing to debate who is better between Mayuka and Kola.
Although the two players are strikers they are too different to be compered. Mayuka stature as young as he might be works to disadvantage him he is a very good striker but not very swift enough to take on defenders. Kola on the other hand has more speed needed for a striker, his stature balanced enough to enable him to be swif.
CONCLUSION both guys are good strikers and have a bright future. At the moment they both need to develope their game further to reach the levels of Jacobs, Kantongo,Mbesuma and Chamanga. Mayuka might have fitness problems if he does not check his weight. He is like Andrew Tembo in the latter yes was not fit and yet no one seemed to notice, Ronald & Adriano of Brasil are other players whom mayuka can be likened to in stature that mighty pose a fitness risk.
Big Steve from SA on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 8:30 AM
These are two very different types of talent with only one thing in common, they both know how to rattle the back of the net. I agree with chilewe in that Mayuka seems to handle the big stage better than Kola but then again I would never say he is a better soccer player. They are strickers who give us variety when it comes to using different systems or switching systems in a game. Both are massively talented and are on the right track as far as getting that talent upped to as high a level as possible.
Dinamo on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 8:50 AM
Keep it up CHANDA 1Saku for this great work.The two players have great talent but I can go for Mayuka coz of his strength which unsettle the opponents backline,his hard shots on goal plus those nice Zeddy Saileti or Mwape Miti like bicycle kicks.’Bomber’ also has the speed & can take on 2 or 3 defenders without fear & so far most of the goals I’ve seem him score are all spectacular.To me Mayuka has the potential to emulate the late Kelvin Mutale if he remains focused.Kola is a good player with a lot of skill but I hurt the times he looks weak.Though he has netted so many goals I still believe that we are yet to see his full potential.With consistency & commitment Kola has what it takes to be one of the greatest strikers from Zed.Mwaice please push in that extra effort,we need to see a deadly Zambian striker in the English premier league or other major leagues.My vote at the moment goes to Mayuka
LUPO on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 8:51 AM
Both Kola and Mayuka are good players and they have very bright futures, but the only problem is that they have been rushed to the big stage. This is proved by the their overal perfamence at a higher level which has not been very effective.
All in all, we are all behind them to the encourage them and give them the most needed support as they mature.
Sibs on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 8:57 AM
They both good players & have a brighter future like Mphatso says.
I had the privilege to watch Mayuka for the first time in Pretoria against a full Mozambique side (semis Cosafa) i was not disappointed & also an average performance against Swaziland in Mbabane. .His positional sense in the box is good,he can shoot(though he still needs to perfect this),he can take on players,his got physical strength and hes also good in the air. Hes also more of a dual footed player.He has everything you need in a Striker.
Kola has aerial strength cos of his height though he needs to use this more to his advantage. He is quick but he needs to work on his shooting and at times tends to miss the easiest of chances.I saw him blow a chance in Swaziland right in the box from 5 metres when he came on as a sub.
To sum it up i think Mayuka has an edge over Kola.Though i feel both players have a lot to learn before the can make bigger impacts at international level.If they can get a chance to play in Europe these boys can grow to be big players at their clubs & at national team level.What the need is good facilities & a Coach that can believe in them kubu laya.I feel Israel can be good for Mayuka to start & launch his career.
Alexander Liwana on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 10:19 AM
I have not yet seen the best of Mayuka and Kola.I have seen them on a few occasions featuring for Zambia but they have not impressed me.I think Isaac Chansa , Felix Katongo and Rainford Kalaba are the present and future players for Zambia.Henry Banda is also another player whom I regard highly in Zambia and not forgetting Clifford Mulenga and Davies Nkausu.I am based here in South Africa and in my opinion Mayuka and Kola have got a lot to prove to me on international level as good players having watched them in action.I am a fanatic supporter of Zambia .I will be very happy to see the entire side which beat South Africa in the qualifying matches of Afcon 2008 being featured for Zambia.South Africa is having problems because of that defeat against Zambia.
mabbwana on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 10:49 AM
Trully I also think we are doing injustice to by putting up what might turn-out to be an opinion poll on the two good strikers.
Though they are both strikers, I think judging quality might not be the best as they both put different plates on the table. What is common to them is that they are both strikers and I best rate them going by how they have delivered in that position and they way it stands now, they are at par. Am sure if they continue on the same path, we will have a lethal force upfront in a few years time.
Mayuka is very skilful with a great shot, Roger no longer seems comfortable being the target man and seems to enjoy roaming around. He is such a workaholic. Of course critics have cut him left right and centre for failing to deliver on the big stage, but I think we should be patient with the boys, both are still very young and are still learning how to handle the big games. Mayuka graduated earlier into the senior team, probably this is why he is more comfortable.
I drifted, but I am saying they are at par.
patricia on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 11:37 AM
ITS wrong to debate who is better between Mayuka and Kola.! give it up. lets find better topics to discuss. zamsoccer we can do beta
jay on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 11:40 AM
they are two very good strikers with different abiliites but on the whole i’d pick Kola over Mayuka any given match day.
Kola has a high work rate throughout the game and is good on and off the ball. He can shoot from anywhere and does not have to be in the box to score,
Mayuka has the flair and can take on defenders but is not consistent and his passing is not convincing, neither is his positioning though the young man does have great eye for goal. the bomber could rightly be Brazilian judging by his skill.
derricknho on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 11:49 AM
Simple!!Mayuka is a lot better.Kola lacks confidence,skill and strength.Even his ball control is not as good as Mayuka.Remember the cosafa game third & fouth
Dinamo on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 1:30 PM
Sis Patricia ,Mabbwana & Vincent Numbwa,I think its not wrong to discuss what you know about these players.This how its done everywhere in the world players are rated & are rewarded through awards such as the world footballer of the year etc.Its us fans who watch these players so discusing their perfomance can also assist them to improve coz they do all that hardwork to impress us.Appreciate the fact that Zambianfootball.net has provided a unique forum new to our football and please lets discuss football (players,coaches,administrators & other stakeholders) and take Zambian football to another level.How I wish we had this chance during the days of Derby Makinka,Kelvin Mutale,Wisdom Chansa,Kapambwe Mulenga,Gibby Mbasela etc.I SUGGEST THAT BLOGGERS ON THIS SITE SHOULD CONSIDER VOTING FOR WHAT WE CAN CALL THE 2008 ZAMBIANFOOT.NET PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Billy SA on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 1:34 PM
Like Alexander Liwana said, I still have not seen the best from these boys. I watched them during the last COSAFA tournament. I also watched Mayuka in Atteridgeville (Pretoria) last year when Zambia outplayed a full strength Mozambique, final score 3-0 to Zambia and Mayuka scored 1. I should say the boys are good but they still have a lot to learn. So I believe its not fair to compare them. Both strikers have weaknesses and strengths. We are yet to see the best from these boys and maybe thats when we can talk about whose better than the other. The lads are still raw and learning. But I do not want to be misquoted, if they can continue with hard work, they will go further than most mature chipolopolo strikers we have at present. Our focus (as symbol of present and future) should not only be on these two youngsters, but also on a lot other stars like Clifford Mulenga, Fwayo Tembo, Kebby Hachipuka, Henry Banda, Justine Zulu, Stophira Sunzu, Rainfold Kalaba, Felix Katongo, Nyambe Mulenga among the younger players. Atleast Felix, Clifford and Rainfold have convinced me that they are destined for success in world football if they can continue working hard. I am not taking anything away from Mayuka and Kola, they have a great future. All is required of them is discipline.
Chiao.
Sibs on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 2:20 PM
Patricia,Vincent Numbwa guys there is nothing wrong with discussing the above two players Emma & Kola. This is one of the things that you find on most football blogs world wide.The compare two different players playing as Strikers,Central Defenders or Goal keepers.
I have seen and participated to debates on Fifa.com like Etoo or Drogba, Messi or C.Ronaldo, Kaka or Ronaldhino.G.Buffon or P.Czech etc. If you go to Bbc.com/football it the same.Like Dinamo says Zamfoot has provided us a forum to do the same with our players.Nothing sinister from Zamfoot i believe.
Hey Patricia it’s nice to have a lady with an interest in the game keep it up & keep those comments coming.
Cheers.
Mphatso on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 3:39 PM
Dinamo and Sibs, I agree with you. Theres nothing wrong with the comparisons. Have these guys ever heard of the BBC African player of the year? For your information this is an annual award given to players based on BBC listeners and bloggers who are given a chance to call or write and vote for their best player. The one who gets the most votes, wins it and we have seen players like Okocha, Eto, Essien, Drogba, Adebayor etc winning this prestigious award. Infact this is a very recognised award. I second Dinamos suggestion that we should vote for the 2008 ZAMBIANFOOTBALL.NET PLAYER OF THE YEAR!
Seen from afar on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 4:07 PM
Very well put together Mr. Chanda.
I can’t choose between them, one thing i’m just grateful for from this golden generation is that they have gotten exposure from trials abroad to senior team performances, this will put them and the country in good stead for the future. It’s good that ones so young can be given early opportunities to test themselves at high levels. I would say to them to keep up the good work, be patient and remain focused. Don’t be afraid when aiming to be the best.
In this Mayuka v Kola conversation one has to spare a thought for Faywo Tembo who is also in this bracket, although his path in the last year has been different from the two, it is still significant as he proved on the weekend. Also not forgetting Felix Sunzu Jr who also expect good things from.
BJ on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 4:10 PM
Both are good. The better one will be identified by clinching a better deal first. They lose too many professional chances such that they would end up playing for useless clubs.
Nyirenda on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 6:25 PM
no,no Zambia beat Uraguy 2-0
Matafwali on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 8:53 PM
Based on the little that I have seen, going back to the Canada 2007, I have to give the edge to Mayuka, although I believe Kola has more upside. Like they say in basketball terms, “you can not teach size”. and Kola has size. Needless to say, they are both good. I think this is where our players lack proper advocates. We need coaches and officials who can speak on behalf of these players. If you look at Mbesuma’s time at Portsmouth and compare it to Zimbabwe’s Benjani, the biggest difference in Redknapp’s eyes (in my opinion) is that Benjani was recommended by Arsene Wenger. We saw how Redknapp kept faith in Benjani although he did not score until the last couple of games of the season or so. I just think our players do not get the right opportunities and the necessary patience from the teams to display their skills in full.
Matafwali on Tue, 30th Sep 2008 10:02 PM
Since we do not want to leave Fwayo out, can any speak to what happened to him? Ever since the tournament in Canada when he was dropped ini preference for Kola and Mayuka, he’s been almost non-existent. Was there something going on with him? He seemed to have become the forgotten man until he was called up for the Togo game although he did not make the final list.
Ba Ole on Wed, 1st Oct 2008 2:06 AM
Mayuka is more skillful but Kola is more confident. There in lies the difference and depending on what you need you can use them accordingly.
Jimbo on Wed, 1st Oct 2008 8:06 AM
Kola is handful to defenders while Mayuka has the skill to dazzle, both very talented youngsters..
Skille on Wed, 1st Oct 2008 7:28 PM
They are both good with a lot of room to improve. In the near future, they will make a good striking pair.
BaSydo on Mon, 6th Oct 2008 1:55 PM
Great potential in both,difficult to compare the two.Why dont we have our own Zed scouts,those that can link this talent to world class teamz……’coz thats what they deserve.