. Katongo
THE Chipolopolo’s resounding 3-0 win over the Menas of Niger on Wednesday evening removed the gloomy picture which had enveloped Zambia’s race for a place at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
This Group F victory at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola to some extent overshadowed the banishment of Chipolopolo skipper, Christopher Katongo from camp.
Katongo was sent packing from Mukuba Hotel just two days before the Chipolopolo clashed with the Menas.
Some reports from the Zambian team suggested that Katongo, the 2012 AFCON winning captain, allegedly misconducted himself in camp.
We also heard that Katongo had differed with coach Honour Janza on some technical tactics and team selection and felt if nothing was done Zambia may not reach the 2015 AFCON finals.
The differences are said to have reached the boiling point when Katongo allegedly left the team’s camp site without permission from the Chipolopolo management team.
But other sources said the team management were allegedly dismayed with Katongo’s conduct in camp including the way he took the captain’s armband from Nathan Sinkala during last weekend’s AFCON Group F qualifier in Niger.
The sources hinted that Katongo, who also started on the bench in Cape Verde, behaved in similar fashion when Stoppila Sunzu had the armband.
It is also reported that Katongo approached the team’s management requesting that the players be paid their $2,000 bonus after drawing 0-0 with Niger in Niamey.
Anyhow, whatever reasons could have led to his expulsion, I think Katongo still needs a better send off from the team.
It is undeniable fact that Katongo led Zambia to a first-ever AFCON triumph two years ago in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
FAZ can do well to at least have a testimonial match for Katongo and the entire class of 2012 as a way of thanking them for what they did for mother Zambia.
It will be a befitting send off to these gallant men who stunned the football world by clinching the AFCON title after beating much fancied sides like Senegal, Ghana and Ivory Coast.
Merely unceremoniously chucking them out from the squad may not be the best way of appreciating their deeds.
Let us celebrate their achievements before letting them go. For comments email: malungaf@gmail.com
