‘UNAPOLOGETIC’ CHRISTOPHER KATONGO WEIGHS IN ON CHIPOLOPOLO
Christopher Katongo has delivered an insightful, revealing and honest opinion on our football prospects and that special attention should be accorded to his sentiments and not the arrogance that our football administrators have continued to exhibit while our football has been nose – diving in the aftermath of our triumph ten – years ago at the continent’s biggest show piece, AFCON.
There is every reason why this interview deserves our utmost attention, as we evaluate, digest and determine our future in football. I am however, vehemently, perplexed at the behaviour of ‘Football House’ to neglect the participation of individuals like, the first ever Chipolopolo AFCON winning Captain, despite having roped him in the technical committee simply put correspondence to him non – existent about the business/undertakings of the respective committee.
Truth be told, Chris is a victim of circumstances for having been part of a successful story of the Kalusha Bwalya reign while at the pinnacle of football administration.Toxicity has engulfed our football and that those in charge can literally only see beyond their noses.
In his heydays, ‘Captain Fantastic’ was a great competitor, a leader of men capable of transcending even when the mission was seemingly impossible. Subsequently, He commandeered his troops to victory in difficult circumstances. His legitimacy speaks for itself despite his status, he does not have an excessive ego like those in charge of our football currently.
On the field, he did not hesitate to put us back in place very frankly if he felt that we were getting out of our match.He is a true definition of resilience.
Consequently, Football House should introspect and focus on his positive attributes rather than, who he associates with because those doing so are robbing the country of his expertise and value addition to the country’s football prospects.
He laid bare his frustrations of not taking part in the game he dearly loves doubting the country’s chances of making it to the next AFCON. Katongo blames it on poor transition after 2012 AFCON victory, politicized or toxic football environment, lack of leadership in the team, experience or orientation.
I further sympathize with his observations that the country has for many years now been on a trajectory of construction or rebuilding a team without consistency . Listening to the BBC 2012 Footballer of the year, l will not be faulted or accused of being a sadist to conclude that those in charge of football have little or no understanding of the game.
His observations for instance of allowing people to invade the dressing room after a game is unacceptable or indiscipline of the highest order. I have personally indicated time without number that the Andrew Kamanga led administration lacks chemistry with the game although Chris contends in his submission that football is ‘Spiritual’ anyway, your guess is as good as mine, what that means!
I am further optimistic that his mention of Kalusha Bwalya, as a great organiser leading to the success of the team then will not earn him further rejection but as he said history can never be erased.