What Wrong Did Saileti Commit?

GAME ON! with CHAPADONGO LUNGU
NKANA boardroom aristocrats have struck, sweeping the red carpet off the feet of stand-in coach Zeddy Saileti and laying it for yet another Wusakile legend Beston Chambishi.

Chambeshi was installed against a backdrop of a player revolt which, from a neutral’s viewpoint, could be said to have been instigated from within to safeguard the interests of, in this case, Saileti. That is one line of thought.
The other is that players were genuinely happy with Saileti, the man they have worked under for about two months since the untimely demise of Masautso Mwale who won them the title after a 12-year lull. The camaradière among the players was wonderful. Further, they worked with Saileti when he deputised Mwale and can rightly claim to be used to his temperament and tactics.
Well, I have no qualms with who coaches Nkana nor do I doubt the pedigree of Chambeshi but as an observer who champions fair play in the game, I feel Saileti should have been given a chance to prove himself.
What has Saileti done that would warrant this loud vote-of-no-confidence? Did the team become metronomic? Or is it because he has no grey hair and there are no signs he will soon have a bald head? It seems one needs one of the three to qualify to be coach in Zambia.
If age be the matter, can someone be reminded that Frank Rijkaard became Barcelona coach when he was 41 and was succeeded by Pep Guardiola who was 35 years old! What didn’t Guardiloa win at Barcelona even before he turned 40? Need I mention André Villas-Boas who won the UEFA Europa League with Portuguese side Porto in 2011 when he was 31! I want to believe age played no role in the executive’s decision relegate, in a way, Saileti to assistant coach.
Whatever the reason, the executive ought to have known that changing a coach midstream can work against the aspirations of the club. Firstly, there are players who honestly wanted to be with Saileti and their input would unintentionally drop. Secondly, players may have to adapt to new systems of play and this may take time.
The executive needed to be a little more patient with Saileti who is ably assisted by Gift Kampmaba, another of their own men. Football is a game that espouses fair play, and the Nkana executive should have done that while at the same time demanded results.
When one looks at Saileti’s record, it is not bad. He was in charge 12 games and he won six, lost four and drew two. Let’s not forget that Nkana’s transition to the top last season was quite dramatic and they were bound to face a reality check this season. Thankfully, though, they have not been a disaster as they are fifth on the table behind Zanaco, Zesco United, Power Dynamos and Napsa Stars. They are only seven points adrift of leaders Zanaco. There are 14 games before the season closes and there is always a possibility Nkana would retain it. Tough, it must be said.
Let’s not forget, too, that Nkana are also in the group stage of the Confederations Cup, meaning they have played more games than any other Zambian club this season. They are likely to get fatigued and may, in fact, suffer a burn-out.
Having made all these observations, I wish Chambeshi in particular and Nkana in general the best of luck as they enter the home stretch of the campaign. Saileti should not feel betrayed – though it seems true. He must work hard and ensure Nkana retain the Super Division title.
One thing is for sure though; there are hurdles ahead. They come in form of Aggrey Chiyangi’s Zanaco, George Lwandamina’s  Zesco and Tenant Chilumba’s Power Dynamos. Napsa have had a good run under Hector Chilombo but I think it would be stretching the debate too far to include them among potential champions.
It is time those vociferous Nkana fans rallied behind Chambeshi in good and bad times.
Both times are assured but should I hear one scarlet-shirted fan verbally abusing Chambeshi, I will travel to Kitwe to sort him out… I mean by reporting him to police.

Posted by Editor on July 27, 2014. Filed under SPORTS. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.