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Katongo Handed CHAN Captaincy
Christopher Katongo is expected captain Zambia at the 2016 African Nations Championship (Chan) in Rwanda.
Katongo has received a surprise Zambia recall this week after a 14-month exile.
The 2012 Africa Cup winning captain is one of two veteran players from that team called to bolster a Zambia side seeking better fortunes at Chan after a poor 2015 all round for the senior and junior national teams.
“It goes without saying; Mr Christopher Katongo will have to assume the hierarchy,” Zambia team manager Lusekelo Kamwambi said.
Katongo has not played for Zambia since October, 2014 a 0-0 away draw against Niger in a 2015 Africa Cup qualifier.
He was subsequently axed from the team after that match in a radical purge of veterans during the reign of Honour Janza.
However, Kamwambi has not stated whether Katongo’s return could see him back for other Chipolopolo engagements in 2016.
“I think let as deal with that one when we cross that bridge,” Kamwambi said.
Katongo has been recalled together with midfielder Isaac Chansa who is also another 2012 Africa Cup star.
Chansa has not played for Zambia since June, 2014 in a 4-3 friendly loss against Japan in Florida.
Both Katongo and Chansa are eligible to play at the Chan, a second tier Africa Cup tournament exclusively for home-based players.
Katongo returned home in July after ten years overseas and returned to Green Buffaloes whom helped win the 2015 Barclays Cup.
Chansa on the other hand has been at Zanaco for the last two seasons that was punctuated by a brief spell at Indian club NorthEast United from August to December 2014.
Both players reported for preliminary training camp that began in Lusaka on December 22.
Posted by
You can't be me l am different in style
December 23, 2015 at 9:07 pm
Just watching.
Ndeloleshafye mwefipuba
December 23, 2015 at 10:03 pm
Katongo not ubupuba mu team
Wanu Ngwee
December 23, 2015 at 10:27 pm
What are the dates ( duration) of the CHAN tournament be reporter?
J. CHiiiKALI!
December 24, 2015 at 10:40 am
Good Move Kabili the so cold Young Lads, Failed to qualify for Olympics so Back to the Ancient!!!!
jebo
December 24, 2015 at 2:07 pm
we hav no young players competiters 4 numbers in zambias, in other countries like nigeria, ivory coast 4get about second chance bcoz they produce gud players nowonder they send perfoming players to europe.
kamatang'ombe
December 24, 2015 at 4:24 pm
They should also include luka lungu on that list
infidels Baghdad Zulu
December 24, 2015 at 6:04 pm
Good move ‘chicken’ George. Katanga will put some spirit back into the team.
Kamata
December 24, 2015 at 6:36 pm
Who’s katanga?
felix
December 24, 2015 at 9:51 pm
It’s welcome to the faz for a new coah chipopolo,fcb suporter for life.
Judge Joe Bidden
December 25, 2015 at 9:10 am
That tells you we no longer have players, going for fossils is a bad sign for future generation of football in Zambia. Katongo is approaching 40 with his football age but he’s actually around 41-42 then you ask yourself where are the young ones to take over? As a long term football investment, it’s actually sad.
CoolCat
December 25, 2015 at 9:27 am
Ke tsaya gore e thata. FAZ is a joke!
Judge Joe Bidden
December 26, 2015 at 2:52 pm
Ke mathata hela bolo ya mo Zambia. Mathata ke gore FAZ a e serious le diro tsa football mo Zambia especially Kalusha who does things to suit himself. Even appointment of a football players agent to a coaching job for our national team. Nna gopieno I just take a let see stance.
Air Mukwai_
December 25, 2015 at 9:41 am
Kudos to George Chicken .
By the way George Chicken was the name given to him by his former club mate late Ashios Melu from the movie ROOTS (Kuta Kite).
ZAOFF
December 26, 2015 at 3:08 pm
It is a good move. The returning players will perhaps help in reforming the team, following low performance levels witnessed in the previos seasons.
Bigmoze
December 26, 2015 at 4:35 pm
Katongo should just retire,has grown old. Let him leave football to our younger starters.