Mbola transfer controversy: The truth uncovered
- Friday, March 5, 2010, 1:13
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Mbola doesn't want to be involved in these football politics. He just wants to enjoy his game
By Zamfoot
In the last few weeks there has been a lot of talk about Chipolopolo Boys and Pyunik Yerevan left back Emmanuel Mbola’s transfer.
I have decided to blog specifically on this issue because it’s something close to my heart just like Jonas Sakuwaha’s move to France and Chisamba Lungu’s transfer to Georgia. Coincidently both players hail from Kafue.
I guess everyone remembers the Given Singuluma saga when the whole entire Zambian media and people claimed he had signed four contracts; with Haka in Finland, TP Mazembe, Zanaco and an Israeli club. I wonder why the case didn’t go to FIFA. Singuluma came to my attention as a free agent from Bay United of South Africa in October 2008.
He had a terrible time at Bay United but I think I gave him hope. I spent the following three months bragging about-trying to convince European Agents- how good he was in front of goal.
And by the end of the year, I had clinched him trials in Finland at Haka together with Billy Mwanza who decided to pull out on the eve of the flight to Helsinki and went to China.
By then no-one valued Singuluma but after CHAN tournament in Ivory Coast where he banged an incredible five goals for the Chipolopolo, vultures resurfaced from all angles wanting to make ‘Big Money.’ I can categorically state that Singuluma was called by an official at Football house to sign agent contract so that they can take him to Holland.
Some high ranking citizens called me all thoughts of names from his base in South Africa. They claimed I was greedy and selfish because I didn’t want the man I called ‘Freedom’ to listen to their offers but unfortunately Singuluma gave up the fight and went to Israel and the mess started.
T.P Mazembe entered the race to get his signature and Zanaco claimed that he was their player, the same way they are making noise about Stoppila Sunzu, please Zanaco shut up!!! Sunzu was owned by Afrisports. When did you pay the transfer fee to Afrisports?
I would like to state clearly that Singuluma did not sign any of those contracts the press had claimed he did.
The Singuluma issue is a bit similar to the Mbola transfer controversy. When he was just starting 12 months ago, vultures were nowhere to be seen.
After Singuluma won the CHAN Golden Boot award he became a target. Vultures started confusing
Don’t blame the agents or his club in Armenia, Pyunik Yerevan. The mess has been created by us, Zambians for the sake of getting a cut from the transfer fee.
Having spoken to Mbola both by phone and face to face, I can’t really put the blame on the former Mansa High School pupil.
In both cases (Singuluma and Mbola), I have come to realise that the players become victims of greedy and selfish administrators and top FAZ officials. Some come in the famous ‘advisory role’ to confuse our boys and when things turn sour, they disappear and start putting blame on the player and their teams in the case of Fwayo Tembo.
Remember, last July when Fwayo decided not to return to Tunisia. A colleague at Etoile du Sahel asked me to go to FAZ to remind them that the player is yet to return to his base after featuring for Zambia in the World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Algeria. One of the officials bragged that the player was being mistreated in Tunisia and thus the association was going to assist the player terminate his contract by writing to FIFA.
Two days later, the Fwayo story was in one of the daily tabloids. Instead of trying to bring the two parties on a round table, a FAZ official was only interested in piling the pressure on Etoile du Sahel by using the media so that if his contract is terminated they can sell him to South African clubs where they have contacts with Mamelodi Sundowns (Felix Katongo) and Kaizer Chiefs (Collins Mbesuma) .
Chipolopolo Boys trainer Herve Renard did not help things out as they promised Fwayo, Rodgers Kola and Sunzu with moves to France. What happened next? Fwayo did not receive a salary from August to December, 2009 and when the going got tougher and coincidentally was dropped from the Chipolopolo and rightly so, for lack of match fitness. I followed the player we call the ‘Galactico’ on this site in Mtendere and had a chat with him. The rest is history…he is banging in the goals in Tunisia but ask him about SOME of the officials at Football House.
Fwayo was a victim of vultures who came in the name 'advisory role'
Why didn’t the same officials try to help ‘Ba Mupa’ (Rainford Kalaba) in the usual ‘advisory role’ instead of leaving the midfielder showing his playmaking skills off the field in Ndola as opposed at Cairo International Stadium?
With all these controversy surrounding our players, it will be very difficult for Euro agents to risk their hard earned money to buy return tickets for our players to attend trials in Europe. Most agents I talk have cited the interference from a top FAZ official in addition to our players’ lack of fighting spirit.
What do you think Graham Herydon felt when Emmanuel Mayuka was conned to join Maccabi Tev Aviv?
When all he worked hard to have the player get trials at Reading, Hertha Berlin in Germany and Sporting Lisbon in Portugal eventually clinching him at FC Porto but alas some FAZ officials convinced the boy and his mother to go Israel.
From an administrative point of view, Mayuka’s former club, Kabwe Warriors did not help matters when they started playing games and at the day, they got what they deserved $50, 000 as opposed to 250, 000 Euros Graham had negotiated. Graham was frustrated!!!! The
I haven’t been in touch with Graham over the Kalaba issue but I can imagine how he is feeling at the moment. I doubt if he will ever try to risk his money over a Zambian player again.
Well, I guess people are wondering why I highlighted the above cases instead of just tackling the ‘behind the scenes ‘of the issue at hand. I wanted to give you the background especially how vultures are confusing our players and frustrating the Agents who do not call them for favours.
Here is the full story…
After his first training session at the natioanal team, I asked him to pose for a photo. in the pic Mbola with Ken Lungu
August 2008
Emmanuel Mbola impressed me during the under-17’s training session in Lusaka prior to the qualifier against Namibia.
And after watching him for a week, I recommend him to a number of Euro Agents except Nir Karin because I was still upset with the way he took Mayuka to Israel.
My agents’ friends didn’t believe me despite bragging that he is the ‘Zambian Roberto Carlos.’
November 2008
Chisamba Lungu and Nathan Sinkala, two under-20 players attended trials in Russia for 10 days and Chisamba’s skill fascinates the Russian Agents (David, Serj, Valery & Artashes). Their interest in Zambian players grows and David asks about the ‘ Zambian Rorberto Carlos’ after Chisamba outshines the West African including five players from the Nigeria Under-17 wining World Youth Cup side in 2007 to live his tag as ‘The Zambian Ronaldinho.’
Mbola is called to the under-20 preparing for the SADC and Cosafa Championship in South Africa. David agrees that Mbola should be included on the list to attend trials in Russia.
A few days later on, Herve Renard calls Mbola to the national team which was preparing for a double legged CHAN Qualifier against Angola. Mbola makes his international debut in Luanda against Angola and Singuluma’s goal gives Zambia an advantage going into the second leg in Chililabombwe.
Two weeks later, Mbola earned his second international cap in the 2-1 over Angola and marked his home debut by conceding a penalty after he fouled striker Love in the penalty box.
The local media especially most radio sports talk shows crucifies Renard for selecting a player from the second tier.
January 2009
Mbola is part of the squad which is dumped out of the Cecafa Cup in Uganda. I talk with him about the possibility of him going to Russia and he agrees.
I sent invitation letters to clubs including Mining Rangers. The clubs accepts and I informed the agents to go ahead and buy tickets for the players.
The controversy starts when I met Renard at a Futsal game in Lusaka’s Showground. Despite giving me a go ahead in November, the Frenchman changes his mind and tells me to wait after CHAN.
I tried to convince Renard about the importance of allowing the boys go for trials and then return in two weeks time but he refused. Agents had already talked to clubs. It was going to be bad on the part of agents in terms of their relationship with the clubs.
The pressure is on me…Emma, William Njobvu and Francis Kasonde makes their minds. CHAN or Russia? It’s Russia. Henry Banda refuses and joins the CHAN squad.
February/March 2009
Njobvu and Kasonde returns from Russia, Mbola proceeds to Armenia and joins Pyunik on a pre-season tour in Dubai and Cyprus.
Renard still mourns about the absence of Mbola.
Zambia win bronze while Mbola signs for Pyunik. His father and Mining Rangers owner Elijah Chileshe travels to Yerevan, Armenia to complete the deal.
Mbola had his first game on European soil when they featured for a Finnish side together with William Njobvu & Francis Kasonde.
Mbola’s father was flown to Armenia to give consent. A lot of common sense was applied and after that contracts were signed. Mining Rangers received the transfer fee, $5 000 was paid to FAZ for the International Transfer Certificate and instead of the player getting the signing on fee, it was agreed his father got the money.
Rodgers Kola and Fwayo Tembo bought cars from their signing on fee but for Mbola, we (Mr Chileshe, the agents and I) that everything should go to his father.
The Mining Rangers Director, Mr Chileshe returned to Zambia while his father remained behind as per agreement because the player was still below 18 years old according to his passport.
31st March 2009,
A build up leading to the Egypt v Zambia in Cairo, most pundits again crucifies Renard after news emerged that Mbola could start against the Pharaohs in their own back yard.
I remember my big man Desmond Mugawa, a former Zanaco midfielder saying on the famous Sundays’ Radio 4 talking football show hosted by Herbert ‘DJ Dazzle’ Mutabi.
“Whoever took Emmanuel Mbola to Armenia thought it was Arminia Bielefeld, a club where Chris Katongo plays for in Germany,”
I was upset and confronted him at ZNBC and I asked him how many players he had managed to take to Europe. I explained to him the’ Armenia and Georgia project’ were Zambian youngsters will only spend a season in those league and later on move to Scandinavia, France, Ukraine and Russia to continue their development after gaining valuable Euro experience.
On match day, Mbola did the talking on the pitch as he held his own against Amir Zaki and co. and justified the reason why I dubbed him the ‘Zambian Roberto Carlos.’ While everyone was surprised with the way he played, I wasn’t…I was just happy and excited.
This picture is in the Pyunik home stadium. He made everyone proud
And despite our difference with Renard, the Frenchman had this to say,” Only you and me knew that Mbola will play like that against Egypt.”
April to August
With a string of fine performance for both club and country, his agents (European Sports Agency,ESA) started preparing youtube clips and DVDS about the rising star.
David, one of the main agents from ESA confirmed to me that a number of scouts from Ukraine, Russia, Belgium and England have been keeping an eye on the Kabwe-born defender. As usual, I posted the youtube link on the site and also send it to my agent colleagues in Portugal and France. The marketing of the Mbola started and we exchange notes on possible clubs. Russian side was the first one to show interest, two English sides Birmingham and West Ham followed suit.
November 2009
Renard has kept faith in Mbola by handing 20 caps in the last 12 months
With so much pressure on the future of Renard as Chipolopolo boys coach, my relation with the Frenchman hits a snag again.
From January to July, I wasn’t in good books with Renard after the incidence of Njobvu, Mbola and Kasonde plus Singuluma when they ‘sneaked’ for trials abroad. A lot of people wanted me to apologise but I refused because I didn’t owe it to Renard but to the nation. I did what I thought was right at the time and 12 months later on, I don’t regret my actions. Njobvu is in Israel, Kasonde in Oman and Mbola is the reason why I am even writing this blog.
I reconciled with Renard in July when we met at a league match at Queensmead Stadium. Renard has a wonderful personality. He believes in the way he sees things. Most people don’t like the way he talks but one has to spend time with the Frenchman to really appreciate his frank talk.
During one of the national team’s training sessions at Independence Stadium prior to the game against Rwanda in Kigali, Renard accused me of advocating for him to be sacked by using the site.
“Francis, you want me to be chopped. Patrice normally checks your website and it looks like you want me to chopped,” I smiled and told the Frenchman that what I merely do is write about his stats (how many games he has won and lost) as the Chipolopolo coach. I explained to him I am not responsible for the comments by other bloggers who visit the site.
Eish!!! Little did I know that Renard was going to revenge?
Zambia got a valuable point in Kigali and qualified to the African Cup of Nations in Angola. I text him and asked if he could excuse Mbola from the friendly game against North Korea and Cecafa Cup to attend trials in Russia at CSKA Moscow. Both Emma and I moved on and understood the coach’s actions. Emma kept on asking about the trials if he would be allowed to attend trials after the tournament in Kenya but by the time it was over, the Russian league ended.
What next?
He joined the national team camp in South Africa. David kept on informing me on the latest updates concerning the clubs interested in Emma.
January 2010
Despite not playing to his standards in the first three games, an English Premier League side approached Pyunik for the services of Emma.
By the time he gave a man of the match performance against Nigeria in game he made Osaze Peter Odemwinge look ordinary, ESA had a lot of offers for Mbola. From France, Portugal, Israel, England to Eastern block countries.
It was a just question of looking at the best options for the player especially how long it will take him to break into the first team.
February 2010
Emma’s passport was full so he had to acquire a new passport. While we were waiting for his passport to be processed, the saga started.
A South African-born agent registered (UK Agent) with the English FA is ‘believed’ to have contacted a top FAZ official.
It’s normal for agents to contact officials at Football House, but again instead of giving the right information about Mbola like if he had FIFA licensed agents and club contracts, some ‘Big Fish’ decided not to do so.
They claimed Emma was on loan in Armenia and he belonged to Mining Rangers.
The UK agent brought an offer from Tottenham Spurs for the lad to attend trials. Everyone became excited with the news that a Zambian player will be attending trials at an English Premier League side.
Behind the scenes, people started on the working formulas on how to terminate the boy’s contract with Pyunik so that the transfer fee could go to Mining Rangers.
I have a lot of respect for 'Great Kalu' but i find it strange when he starts offering 'his advisory role.' Let him concentrate on FAZ issues!
Emma tipped me about what was happening and in my usual style, I informed the agents (ESA) and went to FAZ on Wednesday, the day Kalusha was unveiling the new Chipolopolo kit.
I wanted to see him but he was very busy thus I ended up having a chat with the FAZ General Secretary George Kasengele in his office. We had a brief chat definitely on Mbola’s situation. He was also for the idea that there was no need of going to FIFA to terminate the contract but dialogue was important. The GS was sincere, he advised me to see the Mining Rangers Director Mr Chileshe and find a better solution.
On Thursday, I went back to Football House and finally I had the chance of meeting ‘Great Kalu’. We talked on a number of issues and he also encouraged me to have a go and sit for the FIFA exams for agents but I refused.
Frankly speaking I am not ready. I like it this way as a contact person or scout. Whatever suits you!
Finally, I brought the issue of Mbola, I told him everything I knew about the trials at Spurs. If fact, I didn’t bit about the bush I repeated the words Emma had told me two days earlier.
Something like, “I will know everything about my trip to London when I meet ba Kalu tomorrow.”
Kalu who had denied anything to do with Mbola’s pending trials at Spurs, now paid attention to me.
We argued and I remember his words,” You are Zambian, I am Zambian and Emma’s is Zambian.”
But I responded by saying, “Ba Great, let’s do things in the right way. Pyunik spent money on Emma. The Agents also
A rough diamond is now unleashed on the scene and confusion starts
spent money and invested a lot on the boy.”
My advice and plea to the FAZ Boss was for him firstly, to tell the UK agent to collaborate with ESA (Russian agents) who were in turn going to inform Pyunik.
Then secondly, his point was that an under 18 player wasn’t supposed to have signed a professional contract. Well, who issued an International Transfer Certificate? It was FAZ!
And if at all, Mbola was going to impress at Spurs, how was he going to move to Europe since he was still below 18? Was Spurs going to prefer for their player to continue his development in Armenia or in Zambia?
These are some of the questions the football gurus from Mining Rangers and Kalu failed to ask them selves before they allowed the boy to board a British Airways to London.
Was Pyunik just going to watch?
Emma arrived in London on Sunday and it was reported in one of the local tabloids. I also did a story for the site.
One of the agents from ESA flew into London from Moscow and met with Spurs officials on Tuesday. He produced all the documentation and Mbola confirmed that he was his agent.
Later in the day, Pyunik faxed a letter to Spurs complaining how a big club like them could invite their player without their consent. Spurs checked in the new FIFA TMS, were players’ records, contracts basically data base are found and it was verified that the boy was a Pyunik player as opposed to consent letter from Mining Rangers which was given to the UK agent.
It was an embarrassment to Spurs and I understand, the English side had to apologise to Pyunik and that’s how Mbola was sent back.
Whilst this drama was happening in London, one of my colleagues who help me update the site had already posted the article; Mirror report: Signs set to sign Zambian Wonderkid. As most of you guys were posting your comments, I kept on giving updates in the comments section stating that nothing concrete nothing concrete.
The next morning, the three major tabloids carried the story about Mbola signing for Spurs but on the site, I posted an article in relation to that the deal wasn’t yet rubber stamped.
Mbola was on a BA flight to Lusaka, and my old man Mr Chileshe decided to give a scoop to the Times of Zambia that Pyunik had breached Mbola’s contract contrary to what I advised him. Stay away from the media and we try to resolve his concerns.
Mbola’s father staying in Armenia
Firstly, Emma was given an apartment in Yerevan, Amernia. When his father and Mr Chileshe went there they were staying in a Hotel but when the latter had to leave, his father moved into his son’s apartment where they were staying together.
After a month, the old man who stays in Mansa wanted to return. Again common sense was applied; Emma was able to take care of himself.
No one complained when Mbola Sr returned. Not even Kalusha or the player himself.
Mbola being registered in an English school.
The Pyunik vice chairman Karen had registered Emma at an English School but he never used to go there. Who do you think should be blamed for that?
But why the controversy now.
Mining Rangers had realized that Mbola is now set to make a big money move and instead of waiting for their percentage from the clause, they want to eliminate Pyunik from the equation and hope to get the transfer fee. Dream on!!!
Figures like 1 million pounds have been mentioned it’s because he is based in Amernia. If he didn’t have that European experience, any club wanting to buy his economic rights could have just offered not more than $150, 000.
Well, I was in Kitwe on Sunday and Monday, met Mr Chileshe and his Mining Rangers executive members. It’s my prayer that Mbola’s interest will come above everything and let the boy realise the nation and his dream of playing in one of the World’s top leagues. Already Kenya has a player at Inter Milan. His name is Maringa.
I am pretty sure I have left quite a number of things but in case you need clarification then am more than ready to answer your questions.
About the Author
Zamfoot has written 1909 stories on this site.
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Please name names. The people should know exactly who is doing our fellow citizens such a disservice.
so it means mbola finished school when he was 12 yrs old?mmmmmmmm inze wanzeru ai.
Also the full name of the writer of this story as it is not like the usual updates but more of a person article.
@monk p
thats the reason why there’s by Zamfoot unlike the usual updates that puts an emphasizing on the Zamfoot Crew comes first.
check in the introductory remarks,
“I have decided to blog specifically on this issue because it’s something close to my heart just like Jonas Sakuwaha’s move to France and Chisamba Lungu’s transfer to Georgia.”
selfishness thats why we blacks will never develop…god bless us
Yes, this is not a normal news report! This is a truthful and honest assessment, we see now some of things that happened and the relationships behind the scenes… “Zamfoot” is dedicated to the good of Zambian football (no doubt) and has branched off from reporting blogs to also aiding matters/relationships, through communication, and helping players. There’s nothing to hide in doing so and i applaud your honesty here and all your efforts Zamfoot.
Enough is enough, i can sense Zamfoot’s frustration, and i feel it too. Let’s stop messing around, let’s “do things properly”!!!!! This manner of crocked dealing is going to be detrimental to Zambian football as a whole in the long run if we don’t draw a line now. Forget about the thoughts of money, we can’t be thinking money first. Zambian football can thrive on it’s own if you people only allow it and i strongly believe that. Let’s get ourselves a good reputation, let’s earn a reputation for our all round good conduct first, then we’ll see the rewards..
Zamfoot, i applaud your openness it’s a breath of fresh air. I hope we have more people like you around.
Second paragraph should read “if people”.. not “you people”..
Even i could read through the lines when all these stories broke. Zamfoot has only confirmed what i suspected. It’s not only what the newspaper article says, it’s the timing when Emma came back from England that makes the truth visible through the mess. Please, the boy can play, don’t taint him…
It was very ease to smell greedness at its worst when the all story started to turn into more question marks than answers. When are we going to grow up as nation?? same thing in politics even sports are not spared, people go for positions because of what they can get from those positions and not really about what they can contribute for the good of all. We are tired please mwe bantu, ya shani kanshi?!!!. always wanting to chew at the expense of everyone else will never take us anywhere. One official is well known of his greed despite being well celebrated, its everyone’s guess. Let the young men make a living out of their God given talent instead of being taken advantage of due to greed of officials and so called agents, be helpful for once, eish!!. Yes its normal to make money out of transfers but this foolishness should stop once and for all. Thanks for this site and this latest info, but ba Zamfoot why didnt you correct the impression lyonse ili that Mbola is 16 when you have lot of data about him as presented here??
He must have been 11, Ni genius ka. While some people were repeating the same grades Mbola was passing with flying colors.
@Zamfoot
I appreciate ur veracity on this issue. Pyunik to the risk on Mbola and nurtured him spending their resources. Now that he is finally showing his full potential, the vultures are circling in for the kill. Do Faz and Mining Rangers really think they will get away with such scheming? Does Kalu think FIFA will always come to his aid? It’s ludicrous to claim ignorance on the fact that Mbola had signed a contract while he was underage, this is a fact that was known and reported on by the media. Now mining Rangers and the so called great Kalu claim ignorance?? Who the hell are they kidding???? We wonder y our players fail to break into the major leagues. We have the talent it’s the management that is lacking and greed that is rampant. I said it before self inflicted wounds! There are to groups of people, those who do the work and those who claim the credit. Kalu and the brain trust at mining Rangers belong to the latter group.
To the author of this article, thanks for the insight, u are a true asset to the Zambian game and nation. You intentions are sincere and u should be commended for what u have done for some of the players.
Francis thanks for coming out in the open concerning this issue. Honestly if it was not for Pyunik this boy would not be where he is now. All these people who are pulling moves behind Pyunik don’t have Emmanuel’s interest at all. Let the young man get back to his job of playing soccer. Greedy will not get us anywhere.
Pyunik put him on the world stage. Champions league and Armenia league winner. This is what any prospective ‘big’ club would look at when looking for a player. Awe mwe we tired of stories like this pa Zed football !!
mmmmmmmmmmm, Ba Mbola must be 23. This article makes sense, no wonder we don’t have players in top clubs, Kalu and FAZ are crocks.
@chamz
He could be 21.
my sources says mbola is 23 or 22,not 16.its sad story to read and i wonder who’s guiding our players over these contracts..when mbola’s team played in uefa we all knew that he was on contract with pyunik and not on loan.now that big clubs are after the boy,,swindlers resurface from no were.i also feel sorry for the agent named graham,he shud be a frustrated man.this country awe mwandi.
they are the same chaps who contributed to mbesuma’s down fall.
some one close to the boy told me hes 23 this year.
Mbola has a valid contract with pyunik and the way things are going they might sue him,and when he is fined the money will come from his own pocket and not from Mr chileshes..
Conflict of interest. Any sane person would see that this is a subjective article as the author is also an interested party. In as much as Kalu and company seem to be selfishly involved in this saga, Francis or Zamfoot are also interested parties who are bitter because they are being sidelined in this whole drama. From the article, it is clear that Francis want to or was indirectly cotrolling Renard on the availability of players for nationalduty so that he could take them for trialsfor his selfish interest. Please Francis, spare us from your claims that you are doing all this for the love of the game, thats nonsense. Its clear that you are also in for something. Kalu and yourself are just the same
I know Emma personally and i can vehemently say he will be 21yrs this year hope that clears the air once and for all. at least he has reduced his years by 4 try chris katongo or aba fyashi ba Elijah Tana
Mbola completed school 5 years ago?and he is 16yrs??????
francis u r also a problem u mean 2say u r clean in dis issue y take under aged players?
If the boy completed school in 2005,then he should be 21.Who is going to deliver us from these greedy FAZ officials who dont who our country to have players in good European leagues.Some one help me please,napapata?
@Sibs
@Georgia Russia
The Champions League issue is also valid. If his contracts were in a mess as Mining Rangers claim why was he allowed to play against Dinamo Zagreb.
Do you think Pyunik will ever come back for another Zambian player? What impression are we giving to clubs and would be agents? It looks like its only in Zambia were players are allowed to go AWOL after doing duty for the national team. Fwayo, Singuluma, Felix, Kalaba and Mbola.
We ‘ll continue lagging behind.
I have always had trust in francis, i have seen the birth of this site and just how much you have sacrificed all for the love of the game and to be specific Zed futbo, you are different from these vampires and vultures, only interested in the money, God help our mother Zambia, thank you zamfoot, and big up to you francis!
Kalu and Chleshe are being totally unfair to the Mbola and Pyunik. When I first heard of the behind the scenes stories on this mess, I missed the point on Chileshe also having flown to Pyunik and stayed in hotel, all bankrolled by the Club he has turned his back on.
Why didn’t he refuse the contract when he was actually there if he saw that there was something wrong with it?
Chileshe’s manouvers are shameful to say the least. He was there when all this started and today he has turned against the team which has nurtured his young man, all because money and Kalu.
These facts do not tally. For someone to finish school at 12 years it means he started his grade one when he was one year old and assumes that he never failed his grade 7. How possible is it for one to enroll in grade 1 at the age of one year? The normal situation is that kids get enrolled for grade 1 at the age of 6. Assuming Mbola finished school in 2005 and enrolled for grade 1 at the age of 6, at the time he joined Pyunik he should have been at list not less than 18 years. We just have to improve on our ability to tell the truth.@ife ndife ba zambia
I go with you on this one. You only need to understand a little of what goes on behind the scenes pa Zamfoot for you to appreciate this guy. Thanks Francis, your efforts are well appreciated.
From what i have read..mbola has 2 agents,the russian agents and the uk agents,that in itself is a recipe for dissaster..there are just to many involved in this,i wonder if emma himself even has a say..
to many people
But can you educate us how someone could have finished school at the age of 12. Are you telling us he started his grade one 6 years before he was born? come on do not display your inability to do simple arithmetic here and you should be reminded that you are not lecturing to pre-school kids here. Your claim should be rubbished with the contempt it diserves.@kakokola
Age……..
Are you not the same people complaining about Tsunami, that he can’t person anymore. Talk to the players, I have managed to recommend to Europe. I normally tell them to forget about their passport age.
Thats the reason why I have concentrated on youngsters; Jimmy Chisenga, Stoppila Sunzu, Stanley Nshimbi, Mbola, Chisamba lungu…
I believe in 4 or 5 years time they will be at their peak and maybe plying their trade in France like Sakuwaha. Imagine if we had about 7, 8, 9 players in leagues like France, Portugal or Holland, I am pretty sure a lot of focus and attention on our country from other clubs in these countries was going to be there.
Coming back to me being clean in this issue. I have taken full responsibility. Thats the reason why I took time and did this blog. If you decide to find a fault in me taking Mbola to Armenia, I respect that but just remember I am a fan just like u and I am desperate to have a Zambian player in the top league.
I recommended Jimmy Chisenga to Georgia. It was in the papers and Renard complained that it was not ideal. Jimmy didn’t fight enough (something which our players lack) and I told the agents to send him back. Where is he now? A good prospect but if we are not careful, he might not breakthrough. By the time we think he will be ready for Europe, he be will at the end of his career.
I told Renard this. What happened, Jimmy wasn’t even in the AFCON Squad. The idea is to take this boys to Euro when they are still kids according to their passport age.
And if they show enough mental strength whilst in Europe, it won’t be long we will be watching one of boys in Champions League
Names Boss. Even the zamfoot crew has names. Who is who at zamfoot. Who wrote this article ? its that simple ba Zamfoot.
what about the story i read that mbola was being paid $1000 instead of the promised $3 500?
these guys at football house are taking us behind, corruption everywhere, imwe sure napapata.
mbola is also paying for not being honest about his age, he would have reduced the age atleast by 2 not 4 its too much.naimwe ba zamfoot, you should be telling us the truth not the 15yrs old boy, wen you knew the real age of mbola
@Jojo
Mbola has only one agent, European Sports Agency, they are registered with the Russian football federation.
@ife ndife ba zambia
About his conditions in Armenia. He is one of the better paid Zambian youngsters abroad. That’s just paper talk.
For your own information, Mbola’s transfer fee from Mining Rangers to Pyunik is only third to Rainford Kalaba’s when he joined Sporting Braga from Afrisports.
R. Kalaba 100, 000 euros
Sakuwaha 50,000 euros
Emma Mbola $59,000
Rodger Kola $55,000
Emma Mayuka $50, 000
Chisamba Lungu $50,000
Njobvu William $30,000
Now compare with Kalaba and Mayuka. When Kalaba left Zambia for Portugal he had over 30 caps, two AFCON experience and look at his destination.
Mayuka was a full international as well. Afcon 2008 and World Youth Cup in 2007.
Mbola did not have that kind of a CV. You may argue that he had the potential and was part of the local national team but imagine you are negotiating a deal for Percy Kisonge. He made his debut in Zimbabwe during the Cosafa Cup last year.
Ok iyi yakanga you mean mbola was in grade 1 when he was 1 year old? This is a record or else age must be invetigated.@ife ndife ba zambia
@Zamfoot
i didnt mean the transfer fees, i read in 1 of the papers where they said pyunik bridged the contract for paying mbola a monthly allowance/salary of $1000 insteady of the agreed $3 500.i wanted u to comment on that
@Anonymous
yea, its bad that age cheatin is real in zed.we think we are cheating clubs or agents but infact we are cheatin ourselselves.the bible says that u ll reap wat u soul (sp)
My my what Mr. Chileshe is doing is very bad, you are destroying the boys’ career. Let the boy stay in Armenia till such a time when he is ready to move and he could have earned more than 2 million USD in tranfers. Kalu and company do not mess the player’s future.
No wonder there is this tendency of mud-slinging when campaigning for FAZ executive posts. Little did we, soccer fanatics know that there is more to it in terms of gain than representing the soccer loving nation. What is more embarassing is that even some club bosses are involved. Everyone wants to have a slice of the cake and it ends up messing everything, thus putting the players career to a standstill. When a deal has been struck, jackals and hyenas start making all sorts of funny noises when they were not even involved in the kill. Vultures also start flying around for the slightest opportunity to finish off the beast. Shame, shame, shame.
I ackowledge that the age is actually an issue here. But one thing we have to remember is, its not only in Zambia where this is a problem with this. I think we need to protect our own as we debate this Mbola issue, I think it might not be wise to focus on his weakness (age cheating) for now as it does not help his case out there.
It would be unfortunate if we crucified the youngster on zamfoot.
@zamfoot and all bloggers
guys we are just shooting ourselves in the foot.Insted of helping our brothers(young or old;we don’t even know their true ages) we are distroying their lives,mind you most of them don’t have other proffessions they switch to if football fails.
@zamfoot
is mbola stil in Kitwe?and where is ba mupa?
lookin @passport age francis isnt enough look @da mess u ve caused by makin a16yr boy signin a contract
Fellow fans, one thing is clear here we have wrong elements all running the system. Facts are that Mbola is not 16 yrs old and many advisors have come on board all becuase of the cash to be realised, let us be fair and let Pyunik get what it deserves. Mr. Chileshe and Kalu, please be honest with yourselves and do the right thing for the sake of the youngman and the nation. Tukasambilila lisa?? Most of the things going wrong in Zed football have Kalu’s prints all over them. Muchinje bakamba, twanaka. No one has the monopoly of knowledge be ready to listen even when you have differing views. Quit patronising people and running FAZ as if it is your kantemba business. We all are stakeholders and are watching you. FAZ AGM, Kalu must go! NANAKA INE, TAKWABA.
Just let the young man go back to Pyunik and sort out his mess there and let Spurs sign him off Pyunik. I am sure they are still interested in him. As for Kalu, at the rate he is moving, he will undo all the greatness that he ever achieved as a player and he will remain just an ordinary person. Kalu, come on mayn….!!!!
i didnt knw that these guys are hiding vultures.kalu and co must go.when do we have the elections/erections?awe ine nanaka na ma stories fro football house
if surely these players ve gone 2sch these problems couldnt ve b there.a g12 cnt fail 2read.
Ba kelega bafulisha mu bola ya pa Zed. Echo tatwakafike apatali kanshi!
Ba ROK i dont think you read my posting pliz read once more will you?
Talking about Emma’s age at this point is crucifying your own. Lets just look at who’s who in this whole drama.
Mdala zamfoot dont even complain that you work on meagre resources since we now know that you amass a fortune by selling our zambian players to useless countries
Shame to Mbola and his father and FAZ and Chileshe for cheating that he is 16 and yet he completed school grade 12 in 2005. At that time, that is when he was 17/18. now 22 most likely. So who fools who.
FAZ councilors should petition the whole FAZ and kick them out. We dont need this FAZ guys. But i am really really disappointed about this age cheating. To reduce age by 6-7 years, this is a scandal. To lie in a passport which is a government document, should attract prosecution.
Braga want Kalaba back
By VICTOR KUMWENDA and HONE LIWANGA
SPORTING Braga want midfielder Rainford Kalaba to return to Portugal, hoping to convince him to join Egyptian giants Zamalek.
Kalaba signed a six-month contract with Egyptian giants Zamalek just after the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola but the player has not joined the club.
Afrisport chief executive officer Gabriel Kaunda said in an interview yesterday that Kalaba’s agent Graham Heydon has asked him to find the player, who is wanted in Portugal.
Kaunda said Braga want to meet the player so that they could advise him to honour the contract he has signed with Zamalek before returning to Portugal.
He said according to Heydon, Braga are worried about the whereabouts of Kalaba as he has not been in touch with the Portuguese club since he came back from Egypt.
Kaunda said Kalaba has vehemently refused to join Zamalek and that he did not even know where the player is at the moment.
He said the last time he spoke to Kalaba was last Wednesday.
“Kalaba has told me that he will not join Zamalek and I am worried right now about his whereabouts, so is Braga and his agent Graham. I don’t know where he is and there is no communication. The last time I spoke to him was on Wednesday last week.
“People in Portugal have been asking me about his whereabouts but it is difficult to give them any information, considering that I am not in touch with Kalaba,” said Kaunda.
Kaunda said he is in constant touch with Graham and hopes that Kalaba’s issue will be resolved soon so that the player can settle down.
Kalaba had a good outing at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola where the Chipolopolo were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Zamalek said they are no longer interested in Kalaba after he failed to join them and are demanding US$25,000 refund which they paid as part payment to Braga for Kalaba to shift.
According to Filgoal.com, Zamalek spokesman Sabri Serag said they have decided not to wait for Kalaba’s return.
“We will not wait for Kalaba’s return and now we have to get our refund from Braga,” Sabri said.
“He has not trained with Zamalek or with his team in Portugal, he needs to return to match fitness and time is not enough for that since we have already played three games,” Sabri said.
Kalaba’s refusal to join Zamalek stems from a dispute over his monthly salary.
Zamalek are believed to have promised Kalaba US$25,000 per month but later offered him US$20,000.
But Kalaba is also said to have personal problems that are affecting his professional career.
We should not blame mbola, he was told to reduce his age so that some people could benefit from him? under 17….
I am one of those people who has posted alot on age cheating.It is good that people are now realising how rampant it is.If not checked it will continue to affect our game negatively.Shame on those behind such unethical acts.
Mbola was even proud @afcon as da youngest player @16,pure lies, shame.y cheat yo age?is o abt moni?
Flipping hell whats with the age thing. He lied about his age so what!!! which african footballer doesn’t.
Us Zedians now that the culprits have been exposed but we want to insist on Mbolas age. Let us insist on the corruption at football house that is so much bigger than Mbola reducing his age. The fact that 1 million pounds was to good a carrot to dangle in front of the ass called FAZ and chileshe, that is the issue. If greed is the driver, it would have happened even if Mbola was a true 27 or even 50 year old.
FAZ should change their name to Nichekeleko, their motto should be eyes on the money not the ball.
Mining Rangers management must be another joker outfit if they can sink so low to try and get a couple of dollars. This move by FAZ and Chileshe is lower than the deepest pile of pre-historic frog crap in Bangweulu. And we even have people who stil suport Kalu’s administration that has scandal after scandal, boxing match after boxing match, etc This is just so sick.
Good point. On Jonas Sakuwaha, I didn’t even receive a single ngwee. For ur own information I worked with one of the big agents in France and Samuel Eto’o, Pogba (Man Utd youth player)’s agents.
When Sakuwaha signed signed that was it. Renard thought I used to make a lot of money but after working with his compatriots he now understands.
Armenia & Georgia project
When a youngster is signed in those countries, the agents do not receive any commission. It’s wise also for me not to receive any money but they made it clear for every player who gets signed I receive $1 000.
So far for Mbola and Chisamba that means it $2, 000.
I need something like $200 for internet bills to run the site. Also include other logistics like transport to watch games on the Copperbelt especially international games.
What about these photos I post on the site. Some of them are being used by Supersport, the post newspapers website. I pay for everything, its not free!
Yes, if any of those moves from Armenia, I have been promised $5 000. And I promise to you that as soon as I get that money I will invest it in Zamfoot. You will have a dynamic site most of us crave us
This makes for very sad reading. Firstly the “nichekeleko” in the management of players at fooball house. Secondly the greed exibited by Mining rangers to try and cut out Pyunik and thirdly the age cheating by everyone involved with mbola. This shows us why our football is where it is today.
ZAMFOOT what you have stated are facts. Kalu’s involvement in the transfer of players from Zambia has not started now; it is way back from the time he was in Mexico. He sold Harry Milanza and wanted to sell Tana as well, however when Nchanga Rangers officials found out what was happening they told Kalu off. From that time Kalu has never been in good books with Nchanga Rangers
Then there was the Mbesuma saga. Kalu acted as an agent for Mbesuma when he was sold to Pompey. When Mbesuma arrived in the UK, officials from Pompey asked him where his agent was. Mbesuma asked who the officials were referring to and the reply was prompt “Mr. Kalusha Bwalya”. When this was reported in the press Kalu was caught pants down. Some media asked him and he denied he was an agent for Mbesuma as he was not registered with FIFA and at the same time he was National Coach and a FAZ official. He was afraid of being kicked out of FIFA. The fact is that he got money out of Mbesuma transfer and that is why Mbesuma was behaving as he wanted when Kalu was coach because Kalu knew Mbesuma knew he Kalu had got the money.
So for those of you that do not know this thing has been there for a longtime and when we talk about Kalu many people on this blog are busy asking silly questions like “why do you hate Kalu?”. The answer is simple. He is in FAZ for money. Just look at whose company provides kit to our National Team; it is that of his wife. Let me tell you there are more issues that I know but I won’t dwell on them
As for Mbola’s age let us just accept he is 16 because that is how he feels. It won’t help to debate the age issue
Anyway nothing will ever change in the way we run our football, I rest my case
Ba Zamfoot the fact is someone is a step ahead of you in this whole matter hence you concern. He completed school in 2005 and is still below 18, what is this?
People, why are we leaving Francis out of this mess? He makes a fortune by selling our players to sub standard leagues and want to come out clean. Surely, there should be a catch somewhere? All along Zamfoot has made us believe they were mare reporters or news gatherers not knowing people like Francis are active participants behind the scene. Lets not bury our heads in the sand. Francis, like Kalu and the rest of the guys involved are to blame for Mbola’s misfortune because of selfishness. All of them want something and no one should play a saint. Infact, Francis is an active football agent not what he is claiming.
Zamfoot, when in the past I said you were campaiging for players to be included in the national team (Sinkala) you said no and I was almost kicked out of this blog. Thanks for coming out in the open that you are (or at least one of the people running this site) a soccer agent.
I agree with u man. Someone has done a fast one on Zamfoot. Had it not been for thi saga, we woudn’t have known that Zamfoo were player gents pulling moves with people like Kalu behind the scenes and outside they want to pretend they love the our game, shamuna shame!
Can you know admit that you were campaiging for Sinkala? I wondered where you got the pictures on a daily basis, you see I am a journalist and I have all the instincts. I hope people like Asilikale, I now start respecting me. Answer the questions, what your involment with Sinkala?
Zmfoot caught pants down!!!
I am not suggesting age cheating is right, but since he has already done that and he is known to be 16 at his club, it would be a disaster if he has to tell them the truth now
The problem of age cheating is created by parents and clubs that want their children to play for under17/20/23
Ba zamfoot, so what the way forward for Mbola?
I agree with you my man. The only sensible thing to salvage from this mess is for Mbola to go back to his club. Since there are so many clubs interested in signing him, those clubs can directly negotiate with Pyunik. The problem we have here is that the gentleman busy mis-advising our young footballers at Football House is trying to delink Pyunik from the contract he is trying to broker. After Pyunik has agreed to release Mbola to a new club, there is no payment to Manning Rangers until after the platyer, Mbola has signed his first professional contract and will only be after next year, i.e. 2012. This age problem has actually boxed our youngman to the extent that, no matter how good he is, he cannot sign a professional contract till 2012, unless his age is adjusted upwards.
It would appear Mbola used a different age to enable him sign a professional contract with Pyunik. I do not blame the young man but the irresiponsible people who have spectarcularly failed to guide the young man and what is making me mad is that there is a prominent name now at Football House that seems to be the common denominator to all problems currently being discussed at FAZ. When Mbesuma was called by Portsmouth, this same gentleman dashed to meet Mbesuma at Hearthro Airport but unfortunately the two missed each other. If i may ask, what was he interested in after all he is not a FIFA pLAYERS’ Agent. Those of you who think that we hate this person, please make fresh assessments and see whether there is anyone hated. We all love our colleagues at football house but we have to correct and guide them. Then again, when it comes to same person at the controversy of almost everything, then we resort to petitioning them and this we will do and one is resigning today as we adjust the temperature upwards and create the necessary heat to get these guys out. Why should it be us getting it wrong all the time when it comes to issuing of ITC. FAZ should have been the first one to spot the anomally in Mbola’s contract as they are the recipients of copy the contract. This FAZ executive have received more petitions than any previous executive and this is a clear pointer that something has seriously gone wrong af FAZ.
Mbola was also not smart on cheating about his age, he would have made it realistic, I know African footballers lie about their age but Mbola should he move to England, will be in trouble from the press about his age.
It might be the end of him as this age cheating issues is going to reach every corner
My advice to Francis and his friend involved in the illegitimate (not licensed by FIFA) is to obtain the necessary licenses before you continue linking our players to unscruplous agents who seem to be underpricing them. Players from countries ranked lower than us by FIFA are fetching hansome amounts but for us it is always usd50,000, usd100,000 and no more.”>@Chali Cool
Age Age Age! I have developed my on feeling about it. The core reason why players cheat is so that they can be in the market for as long. But if a man can cheat that they are 28 years and yet they are 40. Does that not proove that in the actual fact man is fit to that level. My opinion would be to give FIFA the onus where they come up with a campaign which would encourage clubs to buy players above 30, we all know arsenal is reluctant to do that yet they bought Kanu when he had obviously cheated. I also feel it will be close to reality if FIFA changed the system of under 17 to under 23 and and introduce under 26 respectively. At the age of 16, I don`t remember my self, let alone friends to have been capable of competing in sporting field the way the `soccer 16s are competing.
I remember how three years ago i sat at the same table with Francis Alisheke discussing the growth and expansion of Zambian football.net. i was taken aback when i saw how many brilliant ideas he had. knowing how much he has struggled to set up this site, how much of his personal resources he has used to see us the fans access information that is so rich yet scarce about our beutiful game.
Coming to the issue at hand, i am very dissapointed with the conduct of Kalu if at all what Francis has said is anything to go by. I being an adent supporter of Kalu, rilly find it insulting to my intelligence that he can betray the trust I and the FAZ councellors have had in his embattled administration. I hope he will come out clean and he should not even think of using Eric who has proved to be a great liability at football house. George Kasengela, Emmanuel Munaile and the entire FAZ executive committee are a joke.
To Francis, i know the sucrifices you have made for the site and Zambian football at large. i just hope you will come out clean in this trash. it seems to me there is more to this than meets the eye. i find it pathetic and unacceptable that the career of a gem is almost being jeopardised. any way, i will do a comprehensive blog concerning all sectors concerned with the game of football in Zambia when all this comes to an end.
thank you
Justice I can see u have data. I don’t usually appreciate your comments on Kalu because I think they are ill conceived. However, with all this mess coming up, I give u a benefit of dought. But whats your opinion on Zamfoot? Is it right for Francis to continue pushing his agenda through this site to unsuspecting bloggers without declaring interest? I serious need your objective response mudala.
You guys are insulting our intelligence! This is pure propaganda aimed at building the image of Francis/Zamfoot. Someone is involved in ilegitimate trade(selling players to unscruplous agents) and masquarading as a journalist yet you want to present him as a heroe! Its only in Zambia were this kind of crap is entertained.
.
I knew that Francis works with that guy from Isreal, the agent hence promoting players under their stable like Mayuka etc etc.
Despite the age cheating which is very very bad, am glad that Mbola is only 21,22 years, I used to think he was somewhere like 26.He has about 10years ahead of him.His future is very bright.This explains the interests from the vultures.
I have never said I was a reporter or Journalist. If fact when I started everything back in September 2007, my interest was just to blog about player profiles. But I think I developed interest and thats I included updates on news.
Read the aim/objective of the blog/site. It was created to market Zambian players among other things.
“The content of Zambianfootball.net contains a mix of confirmed and unconfirmed published reports, opinions, gossip and internet rumors.
The objective of Zambianfootball.net is to expose the Zambian players to the international agents, scouts, and clubs as well as soccer fans both home and abroad.
This blog gives publicity to Zambian players, coaches, administrators and corporate partners.
Zambianfootball.net is updated 24/7. These updates include players profiles and top scorers charts.”
http://www.zambianfootball.net/about/
When chance came that agents started trusting me, did you want to me to refuse??? Yes at first I refused as I was scared and I think I was a toddler then…22. But Njobvu and HH encouraged me and I am in the think of things.
It’s complicated. You wouldn’t want to be in my shoes.
Taking players to inferior leagues
Well, I believe in taking risks. When David, first mentioned about Armenia, he wanted Sebastian Mwansa and Dennis Banda. I refused. I was sceptical.
He explained his ‘Armenia project’ and how difficult it is to negotiate for a Zambian player as compared to a West African player.
Do we sit and wait for clubs from Holland, France, Sweden to come and thats when our players will move to Europe or we grab the ‘Armenia route’ were players will spent a season or 18 months.
I like to take risks, the same way I hassled and created this site I believed David and I was game. Today we are talking about Mbola signing for an English club.Tomorrow it will be Chisamba….
I am proud of what I have achieved.
Burying my head in the sand…
People wanted to know the truth about Mbola, and I think I ve tried to give my side of the story.
In the last 8 days, you have just been hearing about Mr Chileshe giving his reasons. I am not saying I am clean. Not everyone is clean with the ‘Armenia Project’ and I do respect that.
I am not an agent….maybe in future. U have to understand the way these guys work for you to differentiate. I would like to call my self a scout.
Coming back to the issue of Zamfoot, alot of people have advised me to put something like ‘Please Donate Here’ for Zamfoot to run efficiently. But I haven’t been for the idea.
People came up with the NAPSA Declaration and it’s been over 4 months now, am waiting.
Local Managers/Agents/Scouts/Contacts
When most people link players to Europe, they always get a % from the deals. In this case, I was supposed to get a cut from Mining Rangers. Call Mr Chileshe now and ask him he at all he gave me a single ngwee after he returned.
To be frank with you, he never called me for over 9 months till the mess started after the AFCON in Angola.
Ask anyone how the local contact people get money from clubs. When I wanted a Kabwe Warriors player to attend trials in Russia, the Warriors executive asked me how much will be my percentage if their player clinched a deal, I told them Zero. It was there money and I wasn’t entitled.
For me the most important thing is that the money is channeled to good use. Mr Chileshe bought a bus for Mining Rangers and I think I have to applaud him for that.
@chamz
Campaigning for Sinkala
Well, personally I have never been a fun of the old guard. Prior to Ghana 2008, I did an article crucifying Patrick Phiri for getting players like Hachilensa, Bakala to AFCON. My argument was that in four years time, they will be nowhere to be seen.
I even told Renard why he included players like Stanley Banda in his CHAN squad or when he gave a debut to Kennedy Chola recently. A player I admire and has a lot of respect but a bit old to earn an international cap.
For me Sinkala’s time was up along time ago. I always enjoy ‘UNCLE BOBS’ assessment on this issue.
But the problem is he a news maker. Everyone wants to read about ‘The General.’
For own information bigman, I envy Sinkala alot and how he has managed to stay in Germany for 10 years.
To me in the current crop of our players, I would single out Mayuka and Mbola. In these two, there’s hope and might the likes of Chris, Jacob, Sinkala and Sichone. Sakuwaha & Chisamba, signs are showing but lets wait a bit…
All the players I have mentioned have one/two things in common…PRIDE & ARROGANCE
@Jimmy
that is nonsense….
Before i put a full stop to my comments on Kalu, i just seem to be bumping into another scandal. If it is true that the new Chipolopolo strips recently displayed in both the print and electronic media are supplied by his wife, then i am more than shocked. This is a clear violation of the tenets of good corporate governace dictates. @Chali Cool
Judged from the amounts of money Francis gets he is more a scout who has connections to some agents. His job as I can see is that he recommends Zambian players to these agents and that is normal practice. If Kalu was only recommending players to the agents he knows I would not see anything wrong with that. The problem is the huge amounts he has been getting and his direct involvement with these clubs
If Francis was dealing direct with clubs then that would have to be qeustioned. All that happens is that the agents ask Francis to recommend players and in return they give something
I do not hate Kalu as a person and I will never hate him, it is just that I know more about his dealings. As FAZ President he needs to be honest in what he is doing
Just look at Kalaba the boy is having problems like hell. That boy would have been in Denmark as a Danish club wanted to have him at their football college, but because someone wanted to market him in Holland, the offer from Silkeborg was igored. I told Mr. Kasolo Silkeborg football club wanted the boy to stay behind, but Kalu wanted the boy sold to a club in Holland. This was when Eagle Stars came to Europe some time back.
We have a big problem in Zambian football and that is why we do not improve as certain players are not selected on merit, but with the view of selling them. That is why some players like Clifford Mulenga are never selected cause they have their own agents
Some comments here are unbelievable!!! Shocking!! If I were you Francis, I wouldn’t even bother responding to these pretenders who just bubble for the sake of it. Any sane person should have an idea on how tough it must be to run a site like this without any financial support. Yet some people say things like they pay for what you are doing-Purely idiotic!!!
And why are we focussing on Mbola’s age? Some of you need to see a shrink!!!!
Back to the issue at hand, what was the outcome of the meeting you had with Mr. Chileshe and his committee? What is the way forward for the lad?
I think FAZ needs auditing. Let Govt send some auditors there and you will see what will come out
@Chali Cool
“You guys are insulting our intelligence! This is pure propaganda aimed at building the image of Francis/Zamfoot. Someone is involved in ilegitimate trade(selling players to unscruplous agents) and masquarading as a journalist yet you want to present him as a heroe! Its only in Zambia were this kind of crap is entertained.”
I don’t need to build the image of Zamfoot. You earn respect and rightly so, the site has grown in stature over the past 29 months or so.
I have never claimed I was a journalist. I am fan and wanted to blog about Zambian soccer. Most people from Western Countries blog about their passion. Imagine if you (Chali Cool) decided to blog about Zed Music and came up with a blog called Zambianmusic.com. Will it mean you are a musician or a Journalist.
Ask any journalist, they will tell you it’s also a passion. My passion is blog about soccer in Zambia.
@chamz
Boss, the Israeli agents name is Nir Karin. He is good friend of mine. He has taught me number of things when it comes to dealing players and just football in general.
Karin did one crazy thing, snatching Mayuka from Graham. And agents do crazy things. To date I still blame him for that and he knows how I criticize him.
Am I his contact/SCOUT person? the answer is NO. He wants me but I have said no. Even on Wednesday, he brought the issue of me being his contact person but I said no.
I keep telling him that I owe it David, and the Russian agents. Without them I couldn’t have been what I am today. They trusted my judgment and gave me chance to be their scout.
These are other agents just use me. As soon as am done doing the donkey work for them, then they will be gone. Resurface when it suits them.
Karin, he is great friend but he has other people he collaborates with in Zambia. Yes, Mayuka and William are his players but when the lads score, do you expect me to ignore the boys. I am not like that. If Mayuka is a wonderboy, he is a wonderboy.
I think the way forward for Mbola is for him to get back to his club as soon as he can. After that let his club negociate for his transfer. We all know he plays for this club. I do not know Mining Rangers want to involved to such an extent as involving FIFA. They sold Mbola and got the money. If there is a provision in Mbola’s contract that allows Mining to get something, then they should just wait until he is sold then they can ask for their money, chapwa. Why do we complicate issues in Zambia
I think we have had enough of this with transfer issues
One question I have is;
Why does FAZ charge 5,000 dollors just for issueing the ITC? Is this part of the FIFA regulations. I do not think so. I do not see that happening elsewhere
Viva data! I thank you for some much information and I hope that we, Zambians can be professional in the way we handle our day to day business and life in general. I hope that we can learn from this that we need to rise the standard of how we do business. I think people must also know that football other than being a sport we love is a business and as such we need to abide to the right priniciples of business. Why should always wait for a white man show us what we should do! Why should we treat one another with some much egoistic behaviour. This must come to a stop! This must stop! FAZ must play its part in the game as much as the individual players do theirs. FAZ must therefore take up the role of agents. And to the local football teams, there is more to gain for you if you allow the players leave your clubs without any problems. The more people see your ability produce great players the more they will want to invest in you… Mbola good luck…
@ife ndife ba zambia
His starting salary was 1000 USD, belive me its too much in Armenia for 15 years old player
, and after month becasue of good game Pyunik changed it to 1500 USD. And also he get bonuses for each win, for example 300 till 600 USD.
for Cup win he get 1000 USD, for Championship he get 3000 USD.
Salary in the UK offering 20 times more than in Pyunik.
And in the eyes some people in Zambia around him now only lot of money, so the player’s career for them is not so important. Only one important thing – IS HOW TO GET MONEY NOW
How do you explain Sakuwaha’s transfer? One of the most powerful agents in Europe. For that matter, Samuel Eto’o’s agents.
remember when Zesco United refused 50, 000 euros from Lorient.
The problem is not agents responsible for the transfer fees. It’s the pedigree of the game in Zambia. We don’t have big names players playing in the top leagues in Europe.
Not too long ago, Chris Katongo went to Dundee United. What happened there? Google that story.
Getting registered as a FIFA Agent
Well, at the moment am not ready. There’s a lot involved and maybe I will tackle that issue some other time.
Nenani Banda once tried it was registered but quit. Why??? I don’t know but from own experience I have gained maybe bloggers like Justine Kafusha (Denmark), Damwiinger (Scotland) & Whisper (England) are better placed to become agents than me.
The have direct contact with club scouts and coaches there unlike someone who is in Lusaka. Look at Karin, mostly it’s Isreal.
The problem with us (Zambians) we like to jump certain stages. At the moment, I am learning valuable experience from these guys and I think it’s better that way. I promise I will blog about the role of agents and scouts.
@DaMwiinger
The issue at hand.
Well, I had two meetings with Mr. Chileshe and his executive. We agreed on the percentages (for Pyuink & Mining Rangers) and if nothing changes, Emma should be going Birmingham City.
But I have seen a lot of drama in the last two years. Fingers crossed nothing changes.
Kalusha is a plain arrogant, self centre and selfish crook
Well said DaMwiinger, i agree with your sentiments… As if Francis is the issue here, better we have Francis opening channels of communication and doing what does than someone else, someone we don’t know who can never be transparant. As if this has anything to do with Sinkala, Chamz are you sure you are journalist? Zamfoot at the time represented and responded to what allot of people at the time wanted to see which was Sinkala in the team, which has nothing to do with the present.
I to agree with Francis, that players going abroad and being exposed to European football can only be beneficial. There is nothing wrong with playing in Armenia from what i see…
Indeed, what is the way forward now?
@DaMwiinger
i agree with you hundred percent. its seems people are bent on just bent on shooting down someone. Francis well done and keep on keeping on
lip service zambians who want to reap were they did not sow
Guys let us be realistic,Francis is one of the Zambians concerned with exporting our players abroad and he gets pea nuts.The selfish guys are the ones at Football house.
Okey….okey….okey!!.Cease Fire,please!.Lets look at a solution to all this.Lets encourage Mbola to go back to Pyunik,then we also advice Kalu to stop working as an Agent,then Mr.Chileshe should also come to terms that he is a greedy idiot who want to destroy the Boy’s future by eating with both hands.If Mr.Chileshe want money,let him produce lots of good players and sell to Francis and Friends abroad,he can setup academies in Luapula and other parts of Zambia and continue living on that instead of cheating.Lets build one another,we are all Zambians,lets work together.
Well said Damwiinger,tino and zima ndola…
Wow, this is a lot to digest. I think everyone from Zamfoot, agents, FAZ to Mining Rangers have a portion of blame in this whole deal and are guilty of underhand dealing. With that said, I think the way forward is for Mbola to go back to Armenia, disclose his real age and apologize to the Nation for misleading us and hopefully get his head back in the game. Mistakes have been made and my only hope is that people have learned that all things done in darkness comes out in the open eventually. Kalu needs to decide whether he wants to be an agent of an Administrator..seriously. It’s no wonder we cant even organize friendlies cause everybody is busy running around trying to get a cut in each and very player move. Instead of eyes on the ball, clearly eyes are on their pockets. Let this be a lesson to all players, pseudo agents, pseudo administrators, etc.
@Zamfoot
Thanks for that. It is all well that agreement has been reached with Mining Rangers, where is FAZ in the picture given they are taking the issue to FIFA? Also, were there no agreed percentages in the initial contract?
Well done on being open to the extent of disclosing the fees you have agreed on. You are not obliged to disclose that information but you have shown a tremendious quality in being transparent. Alot of people would do well to take a leaf from you including some half brains on here.
Keep on doing what you are doing. It is US and not anyone else who will change our game and our country. So stay focused and ignore all distracters. You are doing well in taking a step by step process and learning before launching into unknown grounds
@chamz
Chamz, a journalist…..
By this time they already know that he cheated.Mind you this blog is accessed by people all over the world.It is too late but am happy that Mbola is only 22, he still has alot of years to play football.
Its good that there is hope for settlement i.e. the Birmingham deal. All the best to Mbola and all parties involved.
I have done enough talking of late, i’d rather try to salvage my beloved Nkana from this sinking titanic called Zambian Soccer. Only an idiot can say Zambian Soccer is moving ahead. But one thing i will never stop doing is watching Zambian Soccer as i know sooner rather than later Zambian soccer will be back in safe hands when BRAINS and not BRAUNS will be used to run soccer. Are these the connections we were promised. Someone goes to the Parliamentary Committee and lies that FIFA has ranked the FAZ Secretariat among the top three, but Mamelodi A who is more knowledgeable says FIFA don’t have such lies. But hey, we are in Zambia and someone will go scot free and the futile Parliamentary Committee will take no action for telling lies. If the “ALMIGHTHY” RAJAN MATHANI nabamufula bamba, the earlier people realised they were indespensable the better pantu when some of us take charge kubakaka Ba Mwansa Kabinga. I am livid.
LOL, ala chamu sebanya what is going on in this country mwe, sometimes i wonder why Zambia is like this none of this nonesense happens in our negihbouring countries, no wonder people take the piss at us, we are just something else, Mbola go back to pyunik my man, these chaps making so much noise will ditch you if as i think your england moves fail, trust me kale ba yamba, where is Rodger Kola, they promised him so much and left him for cold, ask Vincent Mutale what happend to him as well, success is through hard work bane lets be humble Kalaba my brother, for me the best footballer now, bale ku pwisha fye ba makaka, go back please please please
@Francis, I think you have been very clear in this. Now i can only advise you to stop responding to all these critism from some bloggers, they’ll jus discourage you and leave feeling hopeless. You are doing a great job, but remember boi this is zed, not everybody will appreciate you!
After reading between the lines and reflecting, I can see that some people want to eat with both hands.It is apity that FAZ is having a hand in creating confusion during these player transfers.It hurts when the person you respect so much as a country is behaving in such a manner.
All this has shown us some things, what are they brothers??? For me, first thing is the need to have the correct policies in regards to player transfers!!! New policies because these old ones don’t work!
Clubs should have good understanding of policies, there should be agents and scouts who can be officially trusted,identified and registered. Faz should steer well clear of any dealing safe for issuing ITCs and directing people to correct procedures and policies, and that is all Faz should do. Anyone who breaches these new standards should be exposed as a cheat!
We need to be build a reputation, not a player trafiking reputation like Nigeria, an honorable reputation!?! That way we will slowly see better clubs coming to us with better offers from the start. I see the Cercle Bruge/Chiparamba article on The Post, sounds like good news, sounds like collaborations like these can be good for the future of football. Let’s insure we have strong standards to maintain as we move forward.
Right now, Faz has very dirty hands which they are finding hard to clean, it seem’s like the football community doesn’t trust the admin. Short of getting rid of the whole lot it seem’s like some clubs want a big shake up and i don’t blame them. Keep Kalu and get in a solid secretary and vice, these don’t need to be Kalu’s best friends but strong individuals to insure development and not argument. I think this needs to happen restore peoples faith. Sorry, but it needs to happen.
Ba Zambia, Can we continue to call Mbola a GEM, when he has cheated, not by an inch but by miles
If u call people with a different opinion from yours half brains, then u really must be an idiot. Calling on people to be objective and not using emotions when debating is not a crime. Is it a crime to say that Francs is an interested part 100% in this whole saga and therefore not in a position to give an objective analysis?
Come on Ladies and Gents do not get at each others throats. Let us debate like we have done before. That aside I would like to point out that for the first time since independence Zambia is on the verge of having more players in Europe
During Charels and Klau’s time we only had Johnstone, M’siska, Nyirenda plus the 2 I have mentioned which is five. Now we Mayuka, Mbola, Jacob, William, Justine Zulu, Roger Kola, Nshimbi, Lungu, Chris Katongo, Saku (i.e 10 at the moment) and with hard work and without problems we could have had Kalaba, Felix, Chansa and Stipillo playing in Europe as well which would have been 14
I am sure there more Zambian young players heading to Europe come June and July
We shall play you in week 2 at Nchanga Stadium. I know we whitewashed 5-0 in that friendly, but this time we shall beat you 10-0. We will start by beating Blades who beat you by the same margin in a friendly lol hahaha……
you
Zambian saga ! Weelee
ba zamfoot zikomo for info bamambala bama funa kuti nama keep it up
From what I ve gathered its like some pipo want to ve the cake and eat it at the same time. lets make rules like anyone in FAZ or the technical staff shall not be involved with the transfer of players. i.e they should not be scouts or agents. Let them concentrate on FAZ issues only. MAYBE only Wecan save our soccer from being a gold mine.
If u dnt like this site then leave instead of making noise.Gud job zamfoot.
What is more annoying is the fact that the whole lot of faz was so busy with the mbola issue they even forgot that wednesday was a fifa day of friendlies
TO be honest..KALU is corrupt and controlling, hes not fit lead at all..simple and straight!
Even people that have supported some “gods” blindly with cadre mentality on this blog are quiet. As for me nothing personal. Infact if those that transgress in Zambia are to to repent, I am willing to offer services free of charge in much the same way i expect transparent people to help me when am wrong. Am counting, it’s two months after AFCON and I am yet to see any progress that people here said we had made! Let’s watch ZEGA-Buffaloes game in number albeit i being held up at some workshop 2daY. To Ba Kalampa and all Nkana faithful, 2010 membership cards for Nkana (oh are they beautiful!) are out and all you need to do is bring two passport size photos (write your name behind) and pay K50,000 (Common this is cheap as it works to only and just above K4000 per month and for the team we love the most).
Ba Justice we were trying new players and hoping tamwambile ukushita ama ref like we heard rummours last season (probably Mighty would be in your place by now)!!! Guys buying games is real in Zambia as i have had first hand information. Ba RAZ address this issue and we shouldn’t just use utusembe kuli Ba FAZ, fwebambi it’s at all levels. I don’t know, i can smell Mbola’s future ending like one Dennis Lota all because of stupid soccer agents that hide in administration and are quick to claim that s0ccer is their life and they are Zambians when it suites them in their individual capacities and neither SOCCER nor ZAMBIA-ifyakumushi
KALAMPAS-My contact is 0977 781007 and by the way i was elected in absentia as Treasurer for Nkana supporters (ifwe we account for every ngwee, not amadibadiba kunuma yama pockets).!!!
I’ve been quiet to this point, but have been fuming at Kalu, FAZ and Mr Chileshe. I thought it would be better to calm down before posting.
Unfortunately the mentality being exhibited on this site by some bloggers (I’m going to address them directly, don’t worry) is truely worrying and has left me dumbfounded.
Right, here we go…
Mr Cool, have you heard of contracts? Mbola had contracts in place with ESA (his agents) and Pyunik Yerevan (his club). These contracts were checked by both FAZ (Kalu) and Mr Chileshe (he even travelled to Armenia). At the time of signing everyone was happy, FAZ got their $5,000 and Mr Chileshe got his transfer fee. Mbola’s status is recorded at FIFA as being a player owned (fully) by Pyunik.
So with all this knowledge, how is it that Kalu begins negotiating with Spurs (assuming the role of an agent) and Mr Chileshe claims that Mining Rangers still own Mbola?? Neither have the paperwork to back this up. That is why Spurs sent Mbola away, because Pyunik and ESA confronted them with evidence that they actually had the rights to the player.
Secondly, if Renard trusts Francis’ judgement on players then that is up to him. How can Francis subject players on Renard. What hold does Francis have over HR?? Coaches in everycountry have scouts that help them look for potential national team players. If Francis fits the bill for HR then, that is up to him. If Francis ‘pushes’ players on HR then why isn’t Chisamba Lungu in the National Team? Afterall Chisamba is one of the players that Francis ’scouted’ for ESA.
Man Ceasor, read the article. Francis clearly says that he first saw Mbola when the boy was training with the U17. The decision to alter ages had already been made by someone prior to Francis ever setting eyes on Mbola. With regards taking him out of the country. ESA and Pyunik paid for the boy’s father to travel to Armenia with him. The father was there for a month whilst the boy settled into his surroundings.
the above posting is from me
Jojo, as mentioned above. Mbola has one agent, David and his colleagues at ESA in Russia. The UK agent was acting on behalf of Tottenham and was tasked with making arrangements to bring the boy to London. The UK agent approached Kalu about Mbola because he didn’t know that ESA were his representatives. Instead of Kalu directing the UK agent to ESA he took it upon himself to promise to deliver the boy to Spurs!
Man Ceasor, can’t you get it?! Firstly, Mbola’s age had been altered by the time Francis first saw him.
Secondly, Francis didn’t make the boy sign a contract. He came with an offer for trail. Mbola, his father and Mr Chileshe agreed. Mbola travelled and impressed. Thereafter they all entered into negotiation and a deal was struck. Mining Rangers and Mr Chileshe got their transfer fee, Mbola’s father got his signing fee and FAZ were asked to issue an ITC. Why was there no uproar then?
You again?! I believe that Francis has addressed this point by giving you facts on what he has been given so I won’t expand.
As for your assertation that Francis is selling players to sub standard leagues. Well it’s time for you to wake up and smell the coffee. As Francis has said, I have contacts within football here in UK. Moving a Zambian player to a top club isn’t just a matter of calling the club and telling them to send an invite. The only way our players will make it to the likes of Man Utd, Barcelona etc is by using other clubs as stepping stones. Try calling Arsenal and telling them of a player you know in Kalingalinga and the last thing you will hear before being hung up on is laughter!
Anyway, your argument doesn’t hold any water because Mbola is wanted by a host of big European clubs who were alerted to his quality whilst he was playing in Armenia. This is proof that big clubs watch that league and if a player does well then they will make a move for him.
Chamz, you are a journalist?! Do some work and ask Kalu for his side of the story.
Again, Francis has addressed this, so I won’t spend anytime on you. S
… again?? Francis exposes players through this website. You are more than welcome to do the same. Let’s see how far you get. There is nothing illegitimate about what Francis is doing. The agents are not unscrupulous, they are registered with FIFA, they have a registered company.
Chali Cool, the only thing you have done on this thread is lamblast Francis, yet none of your accusations stand up.
As I have explained previously, the contracts that Emma had with his agents and club are all above board. They have been checked by FIFA, FAZ and Tottenham. In all instances they have been found to be in perfect order. So how has Francis wronged?
Instead of looking at Francis, instead turn your attention to the role that Kalu and Chileshe. Despite knowing that Mbola had a club (who own him outright) and a team of agents they decided to hoodwink Tottenham and the UK agent into thinking that they owned his economic rights.
wake up man!
Whisper comin 2da aid of francis. i feel yo friend is nt a saint in dis issue.we wait & c
As far as I know Haka did sue Singuluma and they are wating for FIFA’s verdict. The minimum which can happen, is that Siguluma will compensate all Haka’s coasts on him, plus interest, plus all the paperwork per hour for lawyer and other people. Only the hotel’s phonebill is about 2200 euros for 3 days of Singuluma’s crazytalks and that’s when he been clearly told to, not use the phone for any internation calls and in case of emergency max 5 min. Moreover, Singuluma did sign a contract with Haka, but disappeared first to Israel, then Zonaco and FAZ came with their BS…etc… etc…etc…
Instead of attackin each other like hookers who have seen a crate of expensive beer lets focus on these thngs
1. Now that we know the truth bout mbola’s saga wat are we goin to do in our capacity as funs, who do we petition to.
2. Kalu hands a tender to his wife how can we dig for infor to stop the coruption
3. Mbola could be 16 o 21, whch is bad if he cheatd but us zambians are busy atackin him instead of focusin on hs briliance on the pitch, twaba shani ama zambians?!
4. Leave francis out of this debate and focus on gettin mbola and kalaba playin active footbal, arm chair critics and crucifyin francis who is workin without pay, mule tasha ba zambia,
Lets look for solutions rather than attacking the player. I suggest the following:
1. lets vote those that are for petitioning kalu and his exe.
2. let us choose one blogger to be our mouth piece to FAz and the NSCZ on what the bloggers agree on a topical issue.
State what Francis has done wrong? Come on give us some reasons why you feel he is not a saint. Evidence mwana, evidence.
This blog is all about giving correction information on zambian soccer not to attack individuals. thanx for the inform. Francis give more talented players what they deserve dot allow conmen tyo confuse the us
some pipo ve da passion 4footbal just linkin players 4free.i smell a big rat.players learn 2giv back
when are we gonna learn that cheating is wrong? Another budding talent, if issue is not properly handled, will just b languishing in Zambia playing 4 Zanaco or Zesco. KAlu, please do something, u can do it my man!
Hey Bro, your blog makes interesting reading. Please keep on with the good work of finding good clubs for our players abroad. Forget about these vultures. All they are interested in is making money, they dont have the nation at heart. YOU HAVE A HEART 4 OUR PLAYERS AND COUNTRY. Keep it up my man!
Presumably what you are saying is very objective and provable, right? Come on man, grow up and talk from a point of knowledge and not just for the sake of making comments. You are calling Francis all sorts of names yet you have no concrete proof. Is that your idea of being objective.
Secondly, the issue here is the welfare of Mbola which you are clearly not interested in discussing as your comments are just around what you think Francis has done wrong.
In mind, it’s clear who is using their brains to full capacity
Whever the writter is, dont put in Zanaco, they are a top club. You just want to chew the boys money, just leave him and his father!!!!!!!!!!!
keep on franco!! to those who are fighting you, how many such sites are there in zambia? zambians always fight even agaist their own good. after reading goal.com, i read zamfoot,long live.
But i only have one problem, when their is negative news on the site especially from the post tabloid. even if FAZ is wrong, they can be better if we show them positivity towards issues at hand.
ì have always supported and defended kalu at all costs, regardless of the matter at hand but wìth these detaìls ì wìsh to wìthdraw my support and call for change.