May 11, 2009
Germany
Arminia Bielefeld failed to hold their lead on Friday when they traveled to Bayer Leverkusen. Chris Katongo took his spot at striker, and persistent in making his mark on the match.
The home-side took an early lead, on 21 minutes, but their lead only lasted a minute, as they found the net on the other side of the pitch only a minute later, conceding an own goal. Katongo’s most important contribution came on this play, as it was the Tsunami who won the freekick leading to equalizing goal.
A free-kick on the opposite side of the field on 39 minutes led to the go-ahead goal for Bielefeld. They would hold onto the lead until Patrick Helmes, the second highest scorer in the Bundesliga this season, scored his 20th goal of the campaign.
Leverkusen pressed on much of the match, and had the lion’s share of possesion, a total of 66%, and 19 attempts on net. From the Bielefeld attack, Katongo had the most chances, with 4 attempts on net out of Bielefeld’s 12 chances. The lone shot on target was an 82nd minute striker from the top-left side of the box, but the low drive was stopped by German International goalkeeper Rene Adler.
Despite not scoring, the offense outburst the Sergeant Katongo was one his best this season, and a great follow-up to his goal last week. It also raises questions tactically, as team-leading scorer Artur Wichniarek was not in the game until late in the second half, leaving Katongo to be the focal point for much of the match.
While the draw is a respectable result away from home, it leaves Bielefeld in a 3-way tie for two of the three relegation spots. Their next match is at home on Wednesday to Hoffenheim.
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Also on friday, Andrew Sinkala showed his versatility playing in the midfield for FC Augsburg, however they fell 1-0 away to FC Kaiserslautern in a lackluster match between the two sides. The game’s lone goal came in the 6th minute for FCK, one of only six combined shots on target.
Sinkala had a quiet, but solid game in the left-centre of midfield as Augsburg played a 4-5-1 formation, until he was substituted in the 75th minute.
Though Augsburg sit in 10th place, out of 18, there is a large log-jam at the bottom of the table, and they sit only 3 points from safety. On tuesday they will have a chance for some breathing room as they face Hansa Rostock, a team below them.
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France
Jacob Mulenga nor Felix Katongo featured in Berrichonne Chateauroux’s 1-0 road loss to Nimes. Chateauroux fall into a 4-way tie for bottom spot in the table, with three of the clubs to be relegated at seasons end.
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Sweden
Boyd Mwila started consecutive matches for Djurgarden, they were unable to win on the road however, and Mwila failed to find the scoresheet, losing 2-1 at Malmo.
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In the Superettan, Edwin Phiri played 90 minutes at right-back for Ljungskile SK, who broke a three game losing streak, coming out 4-1 victors against Vasby United. Phiri found his way into the referee’s book in the 38th minute with a yellow card caution.
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Finland
RoPS hosted IFK Mariehamm, and played out to a 0-0 draw. Seven Zambians featured in the match for “Suomi-polopolo”, Stephen Kunda, White Simwanza, Chanda Mwaba, Zeddy Saileti, Chileshe Chibwe and Christopher Musonda all in the starting line-up, with Godfrey Chibanga coming on as an 84th minute substitute.
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AC Oulu played their first home match in the Ykkonen, Dominic and Donewell Yobe were both in the starting line-up for the 2-0 victory.
Dominic celebrating with Canadian-striker Frank Jonke.
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South Africa
Supersport United claimed the Premiership title on a tie-breaker as they finished level on points with Orlando Pirates.
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Joseph Musonda and Rodgers Kola started in Golden Arrows 1-0 victory over last place Bay United. Golden Arrows finsh in 5th place.
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Clifford Mulenga played the first 64 minutes for Thanda Royal Zulu against Maritzburg United, the match was a 0-0 draw. Royal Zulu finish 15th of 16 clubs.
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Kennedy Mweene had plenty of goal-support for Free State Stars, a 5-1 thrashing over Bloemfentein Celtic in the Free State derby. The stars finish in 4th place.
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The Orlando Pirates, pressing for a championship were too much for AmaZulu and Kalilio Kakonje, putting three goals past the Number 2 national goalkeeper. The match finished 3-1. AmaZulu finish in 8th place.
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Collins Mbesuma played 90 minutes for Mamelodi Sundowns, but was unable to strike as they fell 2-0 to Ajax Cape Town. The Sundowns finish in 9th.
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140 Comments on "Zambian Players Abroad: Relegation threats lurking"
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kayula on Mon, 11th May 2009 12:56 PM
Sinkala must be given a chance to play for mother Zambia if he is willing!Sometime in football we will need veterans who can control the mood and tempo of the game.Hopefully HR will consider him in the next qualifying games!
Whisper on Mon, 11th May 2009 1:26 PM
I’d rather we try Edwin at right back. We have options in Sinkala’s position, but nothing at right back. I think Jimmy Chisenga Chilufya is a fantastic prospect, but he might need to play a supporting role for the next few months.
Dr_five on Mon, 11th May 2009 1:33 PM
The sinkala saga will never end until he is given a chance to prove himself, am not a fun of sinkala but for ve seek of peace on this blog he shud be given a chance.
Chamz on Mon, 11th May 2009 1:49 PM
Guys in SA tell me the plans of Chivuta and Nkausu at Superspot, I know Nkausu was on the bench with Santos. Are they planning to move? The boys have not played the whole season.
David Chiluka on Mon, 11th May 2009 2:02 PM
Gentlemen, are you still saying we still have problems in the midfield role for us to be crying over Sinkala? Lets keep an open mind its not just giving players a chance, we need to perform and the desired results.
You remember the last time you same peolpe were crying over Sichone, when he was featured at last, the tuma south african chaps over ran him a number of times until provide a loop hole to the goal they scored. You had to substitute him. So lets not cry about giving chance to players who are struggling to keep their footing in the football by playing for teams in very lower devisions. Ok
kaluz on Mon, 11th May 2009 2:53 PM
gentlemen, is there a way we can steal is prolific striker in the name of patrick kabamba of zanaco? the guy has pass and skill he is just a marvelto watch.our nation needs a striker of his caliber. what do you think?
Amuna Onzuna on Mon, 11th May 2009 3:06 PM
I hear Patrick Kabamba is a Zambian born in the DRC.So,he is Zambian,let HR call him for national duty.
Magic on Mon, 11th May 2009 3:59 PM
LOL, every time I hear for calls to get Sinakala back into the setup, I release a nervous giggle. Why? I thought that at this stage we would have burried this once and for all. We have a nation brimming with potential yet we still want to focus on issues that hinder our progress.
I am slightly saddened to note that not only are the bulk of our players plying their trade for European minows but even there they face relegation and fail to set their respective leagues alight. There are a few exceptions to this but they remain that – exceptions!
Even our star player (whom I adore) C. Katongo, has failed to make an impact in the Bundesliga. As the seasons draw to a close, I wish our boys the best in teh transfer market and hope that the season to come brings with it improved performances and great success. We need our boys to be in top club form and translate it into top national form in order to get to the World Cup 2010.
Chamz on Mon, 11th May 2009 5:24 PM
Our players must be patient. At least Chris is playing in a strong league and teams with star players. Who knows a big team may notice him. Even Drogba and Adebayor were sitting on the bench in France. Drogba it was even a second division team.
FBM on Mon, 11th May 2009 5:37 PM
Here are the facts about Drogba
Didier Yves Drogba Tébily[2] (born 11 March 1978 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire) is an Ivorian footballer who plays in the centre forward position. He currently plays for Chelsea in the English Premier League.
As a young child Drogba moved to France, living with various family members. After playing in youth teams, Drogba made his professional debut aged 18 for Ligue 2 club Le Mans. A late bloomer, he signed his first professional contract aged 21 but it was not until the 2002–03 season that he realised his potential, scoring 17 goals in 34 appearances in Ligue 1 for Guingamp. During the same season he made his first international appearance for Côte d’Ivoire in September and scored his first international goal the following February. He moved to Olympique de Marseille in 2003 for £3.3 million and his prolific ways continued, finishing as the third highest scorer in the league with 19 goals and making it to the 2004 UEFA Cup Final.
Drogba moved to Chelsea the following season for a record breaking fee of £24 million and helped the club win their first ever Premier League title. In addition, Drogba scored decisive goals in the 2005 FA Community Shield and League Cup Final. Drogba came to prominence as one of the world’s foremost strikers in 2006 as he won the league title with Chelsea again and captained the national team for the first time. In the 2006 World Cup he scored Côte d’Ivoire’s first ever goal of the competition and he was chosen as the 2006 African Footballer of the Year. The next season he finished as top scorer in the 2006–07 Premier League with 20 goals and also scored the winning goal in the 2007 FA Cup Final.
As for Chris he may just end up playing in the second division, imagine his club have only won 4 games and he has only scored 3 goals in 17 appearences. Which big club will notice him? Jacob risks playing in the French Third division next season
FBM on Mon, 11th May 2009 5:39 PM
I think we are in trouble with our players abroad
FBM on Mon, 11th May 2009 5:41 PM
@Chamz
Drogba and Adebayor were not sitting on the bench in France and niether did they play in the Second division for as many as Jacob Mulenga
FBM on Mon, 11th May 2009 5:42 PM
years as our Jacob
Bubala on Mon, 11th May 2009 6:33 PM
Lets cry we will feel stronger when we finish. Crying is vry good, it causes anger. And we must be clear on why we are crying so that when the anger comes we dnt misdirect it. One way out is to shine in national clrs
Uncle Bobs on Mon, 11th May 2009 6:37 PM
BA KAYULA: “Sinkala must be given a chance to play for mother Zambia if he is willing!
WE HAVE NO TIME TO GET PLAYERS ONLY WHEN THEY ARE WILLING AND DON’T FEATURE IN THE COACHES PLANS. MUST IS A STRONG WORD BAKALAMBA AS FEATURING FOR CHIPOLOPOLO IS NOW A PRIVELEGE AND NO LONGER A RIGHT LIKE BEFORE
BA DR_FIVE “The sinkala saga will never end until he is given a chance to prove himself, am not a fun of sinkala but for ve seek of peace on this blog he shud be given a chance”.
ZEBIGE, THE SINKALA SAGA WILL ONLY END WHEN PEOPLE REALISE THAT SINKALA’S CHANCES OF FEATURING IN THE SA2010 QUALIFIERS ARE NEXT TO ZERO GOING BY HR’S CURRENT STRATEGY WHICH IS THERE FOR ALL TO SEE.
BAKALAMBA BA CHITI, THE KATONGOs, ISAAC CHANSA AND JACOB ARE THE VETERANS TO GUIDE THE KIDS.
LIKE I HAVE ALWAYS SAID, IF HR BRINGS BACK SINKALA, I WILL RESPECT HIS OPINION THOUGH CHANCES ARE A MILLION TIMERS SLIM.
Bubala on Mon, 11th May 2009 6:47 PM
Smeone make ur eleven who will do better than the eleven who put zambia on the map with the form they had then. If u av played football u probably knw that sme dnt ply 4 the team; lazy. Whn it gets tough they cramble
Gametime12 on Mon, 11th May 2009 7:26 PM
Chiti Chitundu If you move from Bundesliga 1 to 2, would one say that you have improved? and even when you were given a chance to play for the national team you never achivied anything you would be proud of, would a coach consider giving you a chance? What makes you think you will do better now, when you have been aging and you no longer play in the first league anymore.
Gametime12 on Mon, 11th May 2009 7:30 PM
By the way when I saw Misheck Lungu play in Egypt I had suggested that he be replaced. He was the reason Egypt scored, HR should have not given him another chance. Thats what we get when We give players with tired legs chances, they end up costing you the game. If it wasnt for Mischeck We would have won that game.
Gametime12 on Mon, 11th May 2009 7:36 PM
Looks like Jacob Mulenga is losing his minutes on the field. Good to see that Mbesuma is getting more minutes, his probably picking up his pieces. Like someone said on another thread, Christopher Katongo would do better if he played for another team. I dont see him scoring a lot of goals in a team like that.
song on Mon, 11th May 2009 7:49 PM
This guys in europe its only kalaba who is playing good football others are just been luck according to perfomance.
Georgia Russia on Mon, 11th May 2009 8:47 PM
June transfer window is a tricky one coz it attracts big names and i feel for jacob and chris,these are gud players who deserve gud clubs.hw i wish our player cud tek advantage of the dutch league to build up on thier careers.ladies and gentlemen,our players are slowly going down,mbesuma did nt succed in uk nor did he attract attention of big clubs,sinkala had one the biggest moves with bayern,bt wat happened 2nd division.jacob was loaned to strasbourg,failed to make impact,big mo same story struggling n the 3rd division.finland guys do nt give me hope at all,coz frm the days of bena mordon to ba yobe,no player has come out the league,to me its a dead league and i wud prefer they even go sa.dispite all the shot comings we have had sme postive results,kalu made a name 4 him self wth a big club at that time in the name of psv.mwape was anther player who made it,the best african player ever in denmark,charlies cool cnt be forgoten as well,ken bubble,elijah and denise lota did make an impact in wth thier respective clubs.ask esperence they wil tel u more about ken bubble twice top scorer in tunis. But my main argument is,shud we allow our players sign 4 teams that r struggling and later demoted.wat is better playing 4 zesco in the champions league or runing around some stadia in france.i rest my case. Never mind the english bloggers am using a mobile phne and did nt have time to edit.
Anonymous on Mon, 11th May 2009 8:54 PM
How did HR select Lungu when he ahd not seen him play??? I think there is input from somewhere..and as much as we think HR is independent, one or two players are there because of suggestions from the FAZ echelon. Okay so HR has not seen the players in Angola, Sweden, Finland and other leagues….is he keeping up with them…judging from the number of appearances..it would seem Sinkala might deserve a call-up…A struggling team is not a precusor to how bad a player is…In fact fighting the relegation is a good indicator that if you play…the manager has faith in you..this is a chance to play harder..if at most to keep the team up or attract bigger teams….i feel as long as these players are giving 110% then they are good enough to play…Mbesuma is coming through slowly but surely..Zambian players need good agents…No Zambian player signed after CHAN..while some players from Ghana got signed to a Spanish team..No DRC players even after winning the CHAN..there is a serious dysfunction here. I sense there is a lack of impetus..otherwise based on performance players from these countries must be getting invites for trials or something…i think there is also the aspect of marketability…WEst Africans have managed to convince the Europeans that they are good players even if we here know that might not be the case…A lot of signings also go to specific positions..Note it ahrd for aan African goalkeeper to play in that position..usually because that position takes a long time to groom..so unless one is exceptional then yes you get a chance..defenders.. We need Zambia agents with extensive international networks and sport management skills.
FBM on Mon, 11th May 2009 8:58 PM
Felix Katongo, Sunzu and Jacob are playing at a French second division team, why are they in the team?
FBM on Mon, 11th May 2009 9:01 PM
Connect your mobile phone to your laptop next time
FBM on Mon, 11th May 2009 9:04 PM
Big teams buy what they see. What you see is what you get. Katongo will remain at this poor club the rest of his career. He will soon be 29 and to be frank he is just an average player comparred to Kalu and Charles
Georgia Russia on Tue, 12th May 2009 12:40 AM
@FBM
i dnt have a laptop boss,but am sure posting clear tho not edited nicely.
Georgia Russia on Tue, 12th May 2009 12:40 AM
@FBM
i dnt have a laptop boss,but am sure my posting is clear tho not edited nicely.
Muta on Tue, 12th May 2009 3:23 AM
These “kids” in the national team have not won anything yet. What HR is trying to do is nothing new, as Kalu tried the same system. Sinkala is the most consistent player when playing for the national team and if he is not in HR plans just accept that. HR knows what he is doing.
Uncle Bobs on Tue, 12th May 2009 6:55 AM
Ba Muta,
You are right on brother, but i beg to differ that Sinkala is the most consistent when playing as when we take the number of games Zambia has played the last 2-3 years, i don’t think he has even played in 10% of them. Unless you are judging between his own games which then doesn’t benefit the team as what matters is cohesion. But you are spot on that if he doesn’t feature in HR’s plans, he’s an also-ran.
Anonymous on Tue, 12th May 2009 8:09 AM
WHO then are Zambia’s best Midfielders…holding or attacking…this is crucial…because the game is won in the middle….it has to be Kalaba-sinkala-Chansa-hangunyu-Defensive mid=Kasonde-katongo.F(attacking), Katongo C( attacking)-use Kennedy Mudenda(modified attacking Mid)..help me here? What is the best formatiion for Chipolopolo….Attack!!!!Attack!!!ATTack!!!!Total Football!!!defend as one, attack as one..Zambia needs players who are utility players..move as wave, cover for each eaach other..just like a symphony..The back line is one thing I think HR can fix…CAN 2008 showed how immature Zambias defence was. In fact when I was following the live commentary then, the BBC guy was saying ” NOw that is what you don’t want to follow if you’re a defender of any team…Nkentani missed header—missed tackles, another missed clearance freeing the Cameroosnians..gifted goals…The game is won in fact from the back, the middle and the front are the icing on the cake…If only we had four Eston Mulengas and three Charles Musondas and two Chris Katongos and a kalusha Bwalya…not forgetting Effordie Chabala
Anonymous on Tue, 12th May 2009 8:15 AM
Give BOyd MWila, Edwin Phiri, Andrew Sinkala, Danny Hangunyu, Moses Sichone, Ian Bakala, Justin Zulu, patrick Kabamba, signs Chibambo, Clifford Mulenga, and some of the Finland contingent a chance….
Chamz on Tue, 12th May 2009 8:49 AM
FBM, I have seen that on Wikepedia, Drodga did play in the second division and was sitting on the bench, so did Adebayor. Lets be patient with our players even European players struggle to adjust i.e Ballack, Drobga, Babatov etc etc
Chamz on Tue, 12th May 2009 8:51 AM
Giving a chance to Danny, Justin, Signs, Clifford, I agree not the rest. Ian Bakala was given a chance even in Ghana, what did we see? 5-1 bashing by Cameroun
Nephas Ndhlovu on Tue, 12th May 2009 9:24 AM
Well, how is everyone? Today I decided to read all your comments coz last week I was out of town. Concerning player selection, I think Renard is trying to be as independent as possible when it comes to player selection but knowing football administration in Zambia, am confident that Kalusha is involved. We all know how that when Kalusha was coach, he had his own players such as Misheck Lungu who was even given the Captaincy arm band when we could see that his performance was terrible. He evenn sold him to Angola but the guy failed to make the grade. We should all recall that Kalusha did not want Sinkala and Sichone during his reign as team coach for reasons that can not be on this website. How many of us know that Kalusha does not allow these players even today to wear designers boots? Kalusha does not even allow our boys to put on other makes of boots other than Addidas. Lets spend time with our players and hear their complaints. We should not be flabbergasted to see Misheck Lungu in the team when HR has not watched him play. This should send a strong message. When the team returnd from CHAN, HR was quoted as saying he doubted if he would continue with Chipolopolo because they were disorganized. This did not only involve his salary but the general disorganization. I think when one plays in the 2nd division in Germany and France, he is far much better than the one playing in Amazulu and Sundowns. If you play in Hungary, you have almost zero chances of playing for the squad compared to the one in Germany. Even when Junior Agogo of the blach stars was in the championship, he was allowed to feature for his nation as top man. In Germany, gentlemen, if you are bad, you would be sent home immidiately. Sinkala and Sichone still feature for their teams quite well.Offcourse for Sichone, we can say his days may be gone because I dont see him replacing self motivated Nyambe Mulenga and Dennis Banda. But for Sinkala, we still need him. I dont see sense in featuring Stophira Sunzu who trains alone with Felix Katongo and does not feature for his club at the expense of Sinkala who is in the starting line up for his Germany club. Your Comments.
Chamz on Tue, 12th May 2009 9:50 AM
So far (So far) the team is doing well. How well the team will play agint Rwanda and Algeria will determine whether HR is right or wrong. After CHAN, people said Egpty is not Chain, after we draw with Egpty in Cairo, people still doublt the abilities of the players, HR is playing. I have chosen to to say anything on Sinkala, its just a senseless debate. One has have told me what exceptional things he has done for Zambia. The boy is just an average player, Mbesuma, Chris, Felix are much better players. If Sinkala was good why did Bayern Munich let him go to average teams?
jc on Tue, 12th May 2009 9:54 AM
Those who are saying sinkala should be given a chance, what are you saying. Has he ever been denied a chance. How many times has he played for Chipolopolo. He has had many chances, some he even spurned them in the FAZ’s face together with Sichone. When the coach needs him, he will surely call him so let us not impose players.
Remember sichone, after cries from fans, he was called and he cost us the game against RSA and we had to qualify to 2008 AFCON at the last game.
FBM on Tue, 12th May 2009 10:23 AM
Can you name any player in Zambia today who can command a place at Bayern? Not even Chris Katongo my brother. Felix Katongo and Sunzu have failed to command a place even in the reserves at french 2 division club, and yet they have made the team. Chivuta and Nkausu the same story and yet they have made the team. Miseck Lungu is not featuering for his club and yet he is in the team
Andrew left Bayern and signed for FC Koln who were playing in the top flight and he was a regular for many years
FBM on Tue, 12th May 2009 10:30 AM
Sinkala palyed when we played SA and beat them 3-1 in SA and we qualified for AFCON2008, but he could not play at AFCON cause he had TB. So what is all this. The boys is 29 years old and is a good midfielder. Can you name a player in the current team that can match Sinkala’s skills in midfield, none at all. The fact that we drew with Egypt does not mean that we can not make improvements. Selection of players to tha National team is a continous process
We should learn to say thank you pa zed tu ponta chabe
FBM on Tue, 12th May 2009 10:33 AM
Mbesuma is finished and I am sure he won’t even make the last 18. He will be luck to be on the bench
Chamz on Tue, 12th May 2009 11:36 AM
The English have forgotten about Michael Owen and David Beckham sits on the bench. Raul has been discarded, why do we in Zambia want to go back to the Dinosaur Era? Should we rename our team Jurassic Park Rangers?
danny man on Tue, 12th May 2009 12:26 PM
i honestly believe fwayo is a better player than jacob…and should be given chance to start the home games….
Big Steve from SA on Tue, 12th May 2009 12:44 PM
The English team have a very well balanced blend of youth and experience. In fact there is not a team of significance in the footballing world that does not have a balance of youth and experience. Even a seasoned coach like Arsene has tried to tip this balance by having more youth than experience and look at what has happened to his team this season. Fine they have done alright but this is a team that once never lost a single game in a whole season in a league as tough as the EPL. This thing of lets usher in the new and forget the experienced will cost us dearly in the end. No one is saying do away with the new talent HR has discovered but lets weigh things properly just like all the best teams of the world. Sinkala plays in one of the best leagues in the world, something we have not seen many Zambians do, he commands first team soccer and going by the standards of that league you cannot command first team football if you are an average player. Same for Chris and Kalaba. I really cannot see the logic of not playing the best players you have got. What is the justification for that, are you saying because we discovered new talent at CHAN we should forget everybody else?? We have such a limited stock when it comes to pro players actualy doing something and yet we have this pride that tells us that we can do away with some of them. How on earth can you justify Sinkala’s exclusion from even just a simple assesment and yet call Mishek. Mishek was not even just called for assesment he even played after spending nine months without a team, I mean how ridculus is that!!! Even a five year old could have told you he would struggle aganist Egypt. Its not just about Sinkala and Boyd, all the guys actually playing soccer should be given even half a chance. Nkausu, Chivuta, Sunzu, Mishek Lungu these should nt even make the first 25. They are not doing what they are being called to do, that is play football.
FBM on Tue, 12th May 2009 12:48 PM
What was Tana doing in the team at CHAN, he is 35 years
FBM on Tue, 12th May 2009 1:00 PM
The problem is that they some people who think that because we drew with Egypt we will qualify with the team we have. It will hard especially in the home games because it will be us who will have to take the initiative while the visitors will just be waiting to hit us on the break. We are saw what happened when we played Senegal and Swaziland in Chililabombwe sometime back. The team struggled. It is for this reason that we need players with experience and one such a player who can add value is Sinkala. Otherwise we are digging our own grave and mind you Rwanda are not scared of Zambia as they have beaten us before in our own backyard. If we are not carefull we will pay the price
Chamz on Tue, 12th May 2009 1:02 PM
I would rather have Tana than Sinkala, Tana was more patrotic than Sinkala. Tana was even more valuable than Sinkala. FMB what game or games or anything special has Sinkala done for Zambia? Yes, he has played 10 years in Germany (I commend for that) but he is just an average player.
FBM on Tue, 12th May 2009 1:15 PM
Who is not an average player in our current team. They are all average and that is why HR relys on team work. We do not have anyone like Kalu, Charles, Mankinka in the present team to rely on when the cheaps are down. They are all average nothing special and that is why they can not break in the first team even at division team in France, at SA PL in SA and third rate team in Hungury. And you think they are not average. We are not blind as FANS, we know we do not have a star in our team, but this does not mean we should fill places with failures, because we shall fail
Tana was more patriotic, what do you mean? Patriotisme should not only be applly to football palyers but all Zambians
FBM on Tue, 12th May 2009 1:16 PM
chips are down
Mabbwana on Tue, 12th May 2009 1:51 PM
Ama guys surprise me how they argue. Whats the fear of calling Sinkala? Just an average player, not patriotic, you even want to bring in old Tana over him????
Come-on guys. We have below average players like Sunzu in the team, players who are not playing at ther clubs, players playing in even much weaker leagues and the list goes on.
At the moment we only have one makeshift holding midfielder who I should say has done a great job. Why do you think we dont have so many options in that role?? Simply because naturals in that position are hard to come by.
Even HR has struggled to have someone hold down that position, 1st game against Togo he played half fit Kasonde and after the game vowed to turn Isaac into top class holding midfielder, yet we all know what Isaac is best at.
In Swaziland, he played Sunzu who got injured, lack of depth showed as Nyambe was deployed in the holding role.The next games so Sunzu take up the position at Konkola but we all know how bad a game he had on that day. Then Hachipuka came in with a great game against Togo, he fizzled out quickly. Now we are back with Kasonde. In an event were Kasonde has a bad day at the office, who takes charge?
Lets not get too excited because we got a draw in Egypt and close the door to other players. I respect HRs decision and trust that he is putting in his best, but I think some advisors may not be helping him.
Chamz, thers still room for improvement in our team.
Chamz on Tue, 12th May 2009 2:49 PM
We have Willaim njovu, Sunzu, Hachipuka to develop, I am sure if we give them 10 years like we gave Sinkala, they will develop.
BJ on Tue, 12th May 2009 3:02 PM
Sinkala is unfairly omitted from the squad. We should not think we have a strong squad when there is nothing yet to show for it. A lucky draw in Egypt makes us feel we are world champions. We need to assemble the strongest team possible. Sinkala was playing under Patrick Phiri and at no point did he disappoint. How he is sidelined now when players like Chivuta and Misheck Lungu can be included is anybody’s guess.We know Renard is building a strong team and no one can convince me Sinkala has no place in the national team as it stands. We need a blend of young players and experienced players to stabilise the squad.
Big Steve from SA on Tue, 12th May 2009 4:21 PM
Even when Sinkala was playing at U23 and captain of U23 and was at Nchanga he was still far above the players you mention here. Bayern munich were interested in signing Sinkala just after the scout had seen him play in two games, do you think any of the players you listed there can impress enough after two games to attract Bundasliga attention?? I dont think so. Not to say he is not a good player but William could not crack it in trials even here in the PSL and yet he is a celebrated player in ZED. unzu we all know the story, as for Hachipuka, his two minutes of glory seem to have elapsed and yet Sinks has held his own even after suffering from TB and being out for 2/3rds of the season 10 years in that league and you want to compare him to Hachipuka,C’mon my man get real.
Chamz on Tue, 12th May 2009 4:35 PM
Big Steve, William and Sunzu played at World Cup in Canada just as Sinkala played in 1999. Sinkala has had 10 years to playing football while the other two are just starting their international careers, we can only judge them when the reach Sinkala’s age. What makes you think, William and Sunzu will never play for a big team? Even Kalaba failed in PLS and Singuluma used to sit at the bench at Bay united. Thierry Henry failed at Juventus before going to Arsenel. He even struggled at Barcelona last year. My point is Kebby, William and Sunzu still have room for improvement while Sinkala must be thinking of retirement. I have said it before, I respect Sinkala and Sichone for playing in Germany for 10 years, few Zambians have done that. But their time is over. They must use their money to go for coaching courses after all they are in Europe.
Gametime12 on Tue, 12th May 2009 4:53 PM
FBM You basically want to replace an average player with another average player. Just face it Sinkala has never been the best player in any of the Zambian teams He played for. Not even when he was captain of the under 20 team, we had players that were far way more talented than he was. Yes he did play for Bayern, but bayern is still in Bundesliga 1 while his in 2. They did not renew his contract for a reason, and the other teams in the Bundesliga did not want his signature. That is why I asked you if you thought he had improved since he moved from Bundesliga 1 to 2. You want to compare him to felix and them, all I can say is they still have a chance to make it into better leagues.
Chamz on Tue, 12th May 2009 4:56 PM
William, Sunzu, Kebby still has many years before they reach Sinkala’s age. What makes you think they will not play for a big team? As for Sunzu sitting on the bench does not mean, he will never make it. Few players like Rooney, Ronaldo make it at a young age. Even Thierry Henry struggled at Juve before going to London.
Chamz on Tue, 12th May 2009 5:01 PM
I want to ask Sinkala’s supporter’s lets assume Zambia beats Rwanda, Algeria, we beat Rwanda in Kigali, we draw in Algies and we draw or beat egpty at home. We quailify for World Cup and Afcon, you still be crying for him? I have said let HR make his decision, if we play badly then people can say, you see, we are missing Sinkala etc. But if we are having positive results then whats the point?
Gametime12 on Tue, 12th May 2009 5:05 PM
FBM you talked about the game we played against cameroon, I think I’ve mentioned this before I always though that our defence has been crap. Do you know why it was that bad? Because they kept on using the same players that made mistakes in previous AFCON Championships. Even fans had noticed the mistakes these players were making, and to my suprise they still made it in the final team next time around. This is what HR is against, playing names obviously Sinkala is just a name to him. People have probably told him about all our foreign based players, but it looks like he wants to use local players. I dont know why, but he surely knows what he is doing. About Mischeck Lungu I definity dont want him on the team, but about HR having him in the team. Who knows may be he watched him on tape and was impressed. FBM when was the last time you saw Sinkala play? I dont really see whats the fuss about if you say that our team is full of average players yet you want to add in another average player. What has Sinkala ever done for our squad that these current players have not done?
Chamz on Tue, 12th May 2009 5:16 PM
Game time 1. I agree. Even in the next game against Egpty, the same games played. I believe people like Musonda, Billy, Nketani, Tana became complacent. Now HR has developed a good culture-hard work and displine. Just like Capello in England. Given our partcipation in Canada FIFA U 20 and the Olympics-we neary made it-we have a crop of good players for the future. To be honest, when I saw, Mbola, Banda, Nyambe lineup in Cairo, I thought HR was crazy but the boys proved me wrong.
Gametime12 on Tue, 12th May 2009 5:23 PM
One last thing, just because you were on Bayern’s roaster does not automatically mean you are better than everybody else. Besides how many times did he play for Bayern? ONCE that leads me to believe that they signed the wrong guy (Mbesuma had 4 appearances and portsmouth). Look there are players that never played for Big teams buy still produced for Zambia. Dont ignore the local players or the ones that play for these small teams or lower leagues. They are the ones that have been putting our nation on the map. Being at Bayern is not good enough, a local player is better off if he plays regularly.Like Chamz said, these young stars have room to improve. Infact I think its a good idea to use them now, so that they become exposed. Even Mbesuma still has room to pick up his form, and be the best that Zambia has ever produced. Trust me when I say this, I grew up in the Sinkala Erra, he has always been average nothing to fuss about. Especially when it seems as if whe are heading in the right direction.
Gametime12 on Tue, 12th May 2009 5:28 PM
Thats right Chamz, Nketani is the worst defender that has ever played for our squad. But he featured in atleast 3 Afcon Championships, by then I really thought that the coaches were blind or something. The defence against Egypt in Cairo was not perfect, but it did not commit a lot of silly mistakes. Except for the one that Lungu made which cost us the game. What does this say about players with tired legs?
FBM on Tue, 12th May 2009 6:28 PM
I have watched both Sunzu and William and though I am a Zambian would like to stress that the fact that the 2 do not have any qualities that will see them play for bigger clubs in Europe. If Sunzu was so good he could have signed for a big club after the U/20 World cup in Canada
Look Kalu was 19 years when he moved to Belgium and walked straight in to starting lineup of Cercle Brugges, Charles Musonda was 17 years when he joinned Anderlect in Belgium, he too walked straight into the starting 11 and he even played in the UEAF Cup final Vs Sampadoria of Italy. The question is what is wrong with some of our young players, the answer is that they are not as good as we think, save for Mayuka, Fwayo, Justin Zulu
FBM on Tue, 12th May 2009 6:30 PM
and Mbola of course
FBM on Tue, 12th May 2009 6:33 PM
We are not making decisions for HR but merely expressing our views that we are entilted to. If Kalu, Munaile and Chilemena have a say so do we
FBM on Tue, 12th May 2009 6:35 PM
I watch Sinkala almost every week
FBM on Tue, 12th May 2009 6:36 PM
@Gametime12
Infact Sinks is playing tonite and I will watch the game
FBM on Tue, 12th May 2009 6:42 PM
FBM on Tue, 12th May 2009 6:46 PM
If Sinkala is average what about these who have failed to make it in the SA PL, French Second division and the first division in Hungary, there must be below average
jc on Tue, 12th May 2009 6:50 PM
FBM, There is more talent in the team now than Sinkala. Perhaps your argument is on experience. As I said, when the coach needs him he will surely call him, but to continously call for his inclusion is not okay.
KK11 on Tue, 12th May 2009 9:51 PM
The crying on this blog for Sinkala is laughable. All u Sinkala advocates have to deal with the fact that the man is done. Renard will not call him to the team as he belives that he has enought talent and experience. How will the young guys get experience if they dont play? Team Sinkala on this blog make it sound as if its do or die without the man. From the time the qualifiers started to this day Andrew has not been a part of the team and we are still going. The wheels have not come off the wagon and if they do then at least its on Renards terms. RENARD HAS MADE HIS BE AND HE WILL LAY IN IT. Untill he has a change of faith then this issue is dead!
Muta on Wed, 13th May 2009 3:48 AM
Zambia willnever win any major trophy. There are so many idots who don’t even understand football. This is not time for experiments, we loose our next games we will be done.
Anonymous on Wed, 13th May 2009 3:49 AM
Ama guys….put Chibambo, Hangunyu, Justine Zulu, Boyd Mwila and Edwin Phiri..these dudes will add kwacha value to the chipolopolo.
Anonymous on Wed, 13th May 2009 3:51 AM
in that respect what are the changes we seek when we meet Rwanda….Rwanda is a dangerous team…i am sure they will come out with purpose…Zambia needs to up the ante!!!!otherwise we will have a shell socked nation…losing a her first home game..A draw is a loss..
Gametime12 on Wed, 13th May 2009 4:42 AM
MUTA Take a chill pill no need for name calling. FBM I dont get your argument. Aparently you a good player if you play for a big club or in a competitive league. So according to your standards Chris must be the best. Look Felix Katonga played better than all our players in cairo, yet he is not even in the starting lineup at his club. Is it experience you are asking for?, if thats the case then I understand. You know who always thought would have done better than Kalu? Emanuel Zulu, but he is a nobody because he lacked despline.
Gametime12 on Wed, 13th May 2009 4:46 AM
I think Zamfoot should organize a Q&A session with Sinks so that We hear from the man himself.
FBM on Wed, 13th May 2009 5:44 AM
Experience is vitala in our upcoming games, even from the bench and during training sessions one can contribute
FBM on Wed, 13th May 2009 5:48 AM
@FBM
You do not just play for a big club if you crap. Who will pay your fat check if you are crap, no club anywhere in the world including those in zed will dish out money to crap players. Yes u can only play for a big club if you not below average like most of our players
If Chris is not the best who then, at least he is playing though at a useless club
FBM on Wed, 13th May 2009 5:57 AM
Muta on Wed, 13th May 2009 8:04 AM
FBM there is nothing wrong with felix but I am sure that will affect his game if the trend continues.
We have too many new call up in the national team. There is nothing wrong with that if the plan is only for long term. But if you want instant results you will need experience and mortivation.
You cant be holding trails for every game you play, we need consistency in the team, I needs to know his first eleven by now. many coaches have tried that and even great coaches dont secceed with that kind of approach.
I am not calling for sinkala or sichone to play, but what I am asking for is some consistency in the selection. Players have bad days but that should not mean that they should ne axed from the team.
Muta on Wed, 13th May 2009 8:07 AM
Players like Chamanga, Mbesuma and Jacob Mulenga do not deserve a place in the national team.
FBM on Wed, 13th May 2009 11:32 AM
I do not anywhere in the world where a coach can pick players who even not featuring for the reserve sides at their respective clubs. HR is French he just pick up the phone and findout what the problem is. Many coaches do
Gametime12 on Wed, 13th May 2009 1:22 PM
FBM He had played in the last AFCON and his performance was impressive. Yes Chris is playing for a crappy team, but its in bundesliga 1 not 2 hopefully they will fight relegation. We all know that part of the reason We don’t have a lot of players playing for big clubs, is because We don’t have good agents. With our ratings you expect scouts to search for players in Zambia? I don’t think so. A team of local players that are regulars at their clubs is better than one of professionals that have only 1 club appearance on their stat sheets. When it comes to Sinks I rest my case, its up to the coaches.
FBM on Wed, 13th May 2009 1:53 PM
@Gametime12
It is not about agents, the problem is that most of the players we have in Europe have failed to make an impact which could have marketed Zambian football. Chris are playing tonite at home in a game they have to win Vs Hoffenheim and it is a game they have to win. After this game there will be 2 matches left. Right now they are 3rd from the bottom (playoffs if they remain there). They have same number of points with the team below them. Naikakana and it will sad to see Chris playing in the Germany second division next season, Jacob French 3 division awe bwafya
vinco on Wed, 13th May 2009 3:02 PM
hey pipo stop arguing!nishi.Let the coach do his job, or else we will be interfring with his job.Sinks will be given chance, only time will tell.Yes,to all things he put a time attached to them.gods time is the best unless sinks doesnt want to play for zed anymore.
Gametime12 on Wed, 13th May 2009 6:42 PM
If anybody has the link to Armania’s game pls post it.
vipack on Wed, 13th May 2009 6:46 PM
its like zambian league is shifting to finiland! Seven zambian players in one team! i wonder the type of league that is in Finland. Any way all the best zambian players in Finland
vipack on Wed, 13th May 2009 6:52 PM
i think the time for Sinkala is over.let us not forget that new stars are coming on the scene. look at Mbola, chisenga and all these young ones. when you see Joseph musonda on the bench and Mbola in the starting line up,in such a crusual game( Egypt game), know that times have changed.
past performance is no longer an issue now.
Gametime12 on Wed, 13th May 2009 7:04 PM
Vipack Let it go……….
Amuna Onzuna on Thu, 14th May 2009 5:25 PM
‘The Verdict is Passed’!.Let Sinkala play One Game for Zambia,and he be thrown away.