December 29, 2008
Chipolopolo Boys boss Herve Renard is believed to be ‘unhappy’ and worried about the strength in depth of his squad as the local guns departs (Monday-07:00 hours) for the East and Central African tournament slated for Uganda.
A highly placed source revealed to the Zamfoot crew that the straight talking coach is upset ‘with the way national team selection is being handled’ by the people at the Football Association of Zambia, FAZ.
“The coach was and is still upset with some of the players he found in camp. Those three players-Kelvin Muzungu, Masautso Tembo and Kelvin Kabwe from Roan United are not national team players,” the Zambianfootball.net source said
“There are some people in FAZ who want to market their players and you could see from the way call-ups are being handed. Renard is not impressed with this at all. That goalkeeper from Ndola United is not worth handed a call up… he is not ready for international football.
Despite Davy Kaumbwa (jersey 16) being absent from this week’s training session as he was believed to be attending trials in South Africa, Renard could not just trust the untested hands of Ndola United goalkeeper Pailani Chungu. The Frenchman has even taken another risk (travelled to Morocco with one goalkeeper-Kalililo Kakonje- after Mweene pulled out) as he will be departing with only Jacob Banda. Kaumbwa will connect from South Africa to Uganda.
But when the Zamfoot reporter asked ‘the source’ to explain the inclusion of Roan United striker Kelvin Kabwe in the travelling Cecafa bound tean despite the Frenchman not rating him.
“Renard has even said that Kelvin won’t be considered for the CHAN squad when the team returns from Uganda.
Food for Thought
Red Arrows finished the league as runners-up but only Joseph Zimba to the Chipolopolo Boys set up this year while Roan United had three. Why…..? Check out this week’s Kachepa on Ball
Suspect Call-ups
Kelvin Kabwe,Kelvin Muzungu and Masautso Zimba (All Roan United)
Pailani Chungu (Division one side Ndola United goalkeeper)
Charles Siyingwa (onloan @ Zanaco from Afrisports)
*** It’s been a common trend in Zambia that some FAZ officials recommends certain players from the clubs they represent or come from so that their players can have the necessary international exposure to enhance the chance of being scouted by agents- Subsequently if a player is sold abroad, they will benefit financially.
While Renard was away for a short-break in his native country France, it is believed he asked FAZ technical committee-a 12 member body- to recommend players to the national team. But former Ghana physical trainer was shocked after he ‘unwrapped his Christmas present’ on Friday afternoon as he took over the training sessions from compatriot and his right-hand man Patrice Beaumelle.
Renard will be banking on the exploits of Kennedy Mudenda and Given ‘Angola’ Singuluma. Singuluma is Zambia’s main attacking weapon. He is a natural goal poacher & at his best he is nearest striker close to Collins Mbesuma at his best. Singuluma is neither a fancy nor physical striker…sometimes he might go missing but give him even a half chance, he will bury it. At the Cecafa tournament, Singuluma is Zambia’s dangerman!
Guess what he scored the winning in the 2006 Cosafa Cup final against Angola and this year, the 22 year scored in both legs of the final round against the Palancas Negras of Angola.
A year ago, Zambia missed out on qualification for Beijing 2008 Olympics despite taking a healthy lead in the first three matches because the so called FAZ technical committee which is responsible for team selection at all levels instructed then under-23 coach Peter Kaumba to leave out influential duo of Clifford Mulenga and Rainford Kalaba against a clash against the Solomon Kalou led Ivory Coast.
Whilst Kaumba remained mute that it was his decision, it is now clear that the French-born coach will not entertainment the way some people at Football House put personal interest ahead of national interest.
Listening to Renard’s interviews in the last 30 days or so, one can tell that the Frenchman is about to go ‘solo’ when it comes to team selection and he no longer trusts the other 11 scouts in the Emmanuel Munaile headed FAZ technical committee.
The team:
Goalkeepers: Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Davy Kaumbwa (Buffaloes),
Defenders: Dennis Banda (Buffaloes), Francis Kasonde (Power Dynamos), Elijah Tana (Nchanga Rangers), Nyambe Mulenga (Zesco), Emmanuel Mbola (Mining Rangers),
Midfielders: Kebby Hachipuka (Green Eagles), William Njobvu (Dynamos), Lottie Phiri, Kondwani Mtonga (Zesco), Kennedy Mudenda (Power), Maunga Kabuku (Kabwe Warriors)
Strikers: Rodger Kola, Given Singuluma (Zanaco), Josephat Nkhoma (Lusaka Dynamos), Jonas Sakuwaha (Zesco), Derrick Kabwe (Roan)
95 Comments on "Renard ‘upset’ with an under-strength Cecafa bound squad"
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Seen from afar on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 4:30 AM
I would urge that FAZ committee to get their priorities straight. If this is true, they are not helping anyone – not even themselves. Shame on them, dealing in hype, they should go into promoting boxing and leave football for the people that care about it.
Renard knows enough now to go “solo” and make his owns decisions, fortunately we have two tournaments and many many practice games to play.
Emmanuel on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 6:24 AM
What is wrong with pipo in this counry .everyone looks to be selfish.frm polition who go for holiday wen a country is in a crisis to sports administrator.no wounder africa wil neva develop.i said on this site that zimba is nt nation team material period.thank God kalu is nt part of this animal called techinical commitee.munaila is fail wit small assingment.ACC corruption at fooball house. God ve mercy.
Chibinga on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 7:41 AM
These goofs are at it again. For a ka five pin. The nichekelo culture in Zambia is affecting our soccer. Dont vote for them again!
Kojo umwina n'gumbo on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 9:49 AM
What you are seeing here is the Kalu- Andre Mtine -Nenani Factor. We have always seen it ever since Kalu came to the helm of FAZ. Strangely Aubrey Zulu, Chiwanki who were some of the best performers of the last season are missing! Only in Zambia …………..
Dinamo on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 11:42 AM
There we go again.Because others have reported something else you now want Zamfoot to report the same.For your info Zamfoot crew is the closest site to Renard and the national players.What these guys report is first hand info.Who doen’t know that Andre Mtine is using his connections in FAZ to market his raw players from his teams Roan United & Ndola United???.Do you also know that even young Mbola(though him is impresing) was brought by a Faz committe member who is the owner of Mining Rangers??.Lets not be defensive without facts.Ba SOCCER FAN,its true the squard you are giving us is what beat Angola but you must differeciate between a tournament and a match.You need to have a strong reserve in a tourney to cover for the injuries & suspensions that might occur & when I look at this team its true the coach has a lot of raw chaps in his reserve which is too risky at this level
emmanuel(italia) on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 12:05 PM
Personally the way i have come to understand Renard is that,when the guys wins for him it is out of gud selection from him.When they happen to lose he likes shifting blames on other people.The way i like at certain injuries from the guys like Tana and Hachipuka it is as a result of having played a lot of matches without a rest.there is too much over load for them.Let the FAZ members seat together and find the solution to this problem.or else we are going to find that our dependable players wont be available against Egypt due to injuries.Then over the issue of selection of players,I wonder the role of the assistant coaches in zambia.It seems the y are ruled by Faz members.Guys when are we going to be independent with our own decision.Ba Lwandamina wht is ur position to this issue of selection of players.
KN on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 12:46 PM
Good job zamfoot,these so called major papers have failed in most instances,and you have been at the heart of of it all,actually it is such reporting that keeps them on their toes,reporter what sub standard reporting are you talking about when most of your stories ku post can be regarded as rumuor ,zamfoot doesnt need to prove anyhting to you,prove zamfoot wrong by reporting the truth that you know.arent you the same chaps who are crying for press freedom.this blog is for the betterment of our game us the fans have expressed our views on this blog and we have things happen when you the so called press have failed to air our views,so leave our zamfoot alone and concentrate on your big news papers that dig deepre ,how deep know one knos.VIVA ZAMFOOT.
DaMwiinger on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 1:33 PM
I smell something fishy with these chaps who have come from nowhere abd start discrediting Zamfoot. I wouldn’t be surprised if they work for some competitor.
We have never seen you contributing to this forum and your first contribution is to call Zamfoot names-what’s that about?
Justice Kafusha on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 2:10 PM
Zamfoot have reported right on this one. Just how did that Ndola United goalkeeeper find himself in the National Squad, I was surprised too when I observed that.
Selection of players to the National Team should be left in the hands of the National Coach and his assistants. This is how it is done in other countries, otherwise we shall end up like some countries in West Africa where Ministers do team selection and are always entering dressing rooms at halftime.
We all know about the problems at FAZ. By the way where is the Mayuka transfer saga report?? We are waiting
Keep it up zamfoot we are many behind you
Cheers and a happy new year to all
Seen from afar on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 2:15 PM
I don’t mind the journalistic credibility of this post because it simply highlights an issue that would otherwise just keep brewing behind closed doors. Even Newspapers must admire Zamfoots freedom of speech, they are not causing problems they are doing well to expose them.
I will take this posting for what it is. It does not prove that this is the case or condem this committee, it asks are the players chosen by the committee really the best players or are they just their favorites? Maybe there is too much conflict of interest for a person from a certain club to be putting forward players in this committee. Players who work hard need to be treated fairly and given opportunities. The issue is not which players are going to Uganda, it’s which players where given trials before going to Uganda.
Emmanuel on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 2:49 PM
Zamfoot let us led while other’s.they even put our sinkala picture into they paper.
Mabbwana on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 3:23 PM
Guys, you have just emerged and are of a sudden throwing trash on Zamfoot???? Those of us who have been with zamfoot do respect their reporting can not take some of this critcism you are leveling against them.
I mean, how many stories have we read on this blog annd havent been published in any of these so called big media tabloids? Then today you discredit a story just because its not in the Post? Come’on guys.
Renard has interest to protect this is why he could have said what he said to you the post, but this story says “an inside source”.
VIVA ZAMFOOT.
Dee on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 3:25 PM
Come on Zambia
You’re better than that
Anonymous on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 3:40 PM
How About the european and south africa based players?
Isaac Chansa
Boyd Mwila
Rainford Kalaba
Chris Katongo
Felix Katongo
Andrew Sinkala
Collins Mbesuma
Jacob Mulenga
Billy Mwanza
Clliford Mulenga.
john on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 3:40 PM
What is this? I thought the Coach has a say on who was called or not? How can FAZ force a player on a coach? I know it happens if there are misunderstandings but not to this extent to which this is showing up now. Is this an excuse already for losing? Give us a break guys.
KK11 on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 4:02 PM
Maybe the Headline or title of this story was a little streched but what the story is reporting is important. If the coach feels like players not up to par are being imposed on him he has every right to say that. Zamfoot is a great site, and i enjoy reading it and everyone of the regulars guys and gals on this site. All those Johnny come lately’s who wish to trash this site please take ur Garbage elsewhere. Yes opinions vary on this site but at the end of the day we agree to disagree but never do we trash Zamfoot and its crew because this site will go only asfar we take the discourse. Zamfoot might not be always on the money but tell me which zambian soccer site or paper is doing as great a job as Zamfoot? To all the regulars on this site please continue what u are doing and to Zamfoot keep on keeping on……
FKK on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 4:34 PM
Zamfoot zoona!!!! A benefit of doubt will do!
JKK on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 4:36 PM
we yet to see more
DEE on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 6:27 PM
Zambia shouldn’t be 18th in CAF
Rankings Table(Top 20)
1 Cameroon
2 Egypt
3 Nigeria
4 Ghana
5 Côte d’Ivoire
6 Guinea
7 Morocco
8 Mali
9 Tunisia
10 Senegal
11 Gabon
12 Burkina Faso
13 Algeria
14 Kenya
15 Congo
16 Angola
17 Uganda
18 Zambia
19 South Africa
20 Rwanda
Jaggari on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 8:22 PM
I have absolutely no problems with this story. I only take issue [yet again! lol!] with Zamfoot’s failure to identify players in their photos. Some of us live light years away and wouldn’t know Given from Kennedy Mudenda. I thot I told you guys the “left to right” method of identifying folks in a photo, lol!
At any rate, Zamfoot, you’re the best when it comes to football coverage in Zed. You should be proud that this story has stirred a hornet’s nest. I’m sure that your hits were off the charts today. Brilliant stuff~
Jaggari on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 8:24 PM
Ps. aren’t some FAZ officials in debt?
would make sense why they’d want to make some bucks
selling players.
BuzzEd on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 8:37 PM
I think it is undisputed that Player selection is not done with the best interest of Zambian football at heart. I remember around this same time in 2007 when Patrick Phiri was in charge and preparing the team for the 2008 Africa Cup. 50 new players were called to camp in the name of “searching for new talent” which resulted in wasting valuable time that was needed to fine tune the REAL AFCON squad. The question is did Patrick Phiri call all those players to camp at such a crucial time? The so called major newspapers carried the names of all the players that were selected to camp with aplomb and none of them dared raise a finger at the process or saw through the bull crap that certain FAZ members had personal interests at heart.
Kudos to Zamfoot! They are the true Zambian football journalist with the interest of the soccer fans at heart. I have found information about players, results for the U17, U20, U23 and national team games when the so called “major papers” didn’t know the results or never updated their sites to say the lest. So please just because this young Zamfoot crew is doing a better job than you does not mean you should degrade their true intention. I was equally surprised at all the new players that were called to camp but again, it was expected because that is how FAZ has operated from time immemorial. Somebody needs to stand up and put an end to this madness and it looks like Zamfoot had the courage to carry a story which no one was reporting on. Whether the story is credible or not is neither here nor there. The truth of the matter is that player selection has been compromised and unless the system is changed Chipolopolo will remain perennial under achievers. I have two words for the so called “major newspapers” BACK OFF!!!!
Matafwali on Mon, 29th Dec 2008 10:51 PM
I totally agree with Mabbwana. There’s been many a story on this site that you could never find in any of the major newspapers, let alone, up to date scores. So, it’s not surprising that they would not have any given story including this one.
My concern is this. Hasn’t Renard reached a point where he knows the players he wants? Shouldn’t he be telling FAZ who to call? As BuzzEd points out, there are way too many instances of deserving players being left out at all national team levels. With the Sinkala/Sichone issue, I thought he would have known better by now. I just think he had plenty of time to put together a team, so we do not hear of any excuses should things not go our way.
veep on Tue, 30th Dec 2008 12:18 AM
great stuff here, zamfut, u are great.