‘NOTHING PERSONAL’

…‘Micho’ says he still has the highest respect for expelled Kabaso Chongo

ZAMBIAnational soccer team coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic says there was nothing personal about him dropping defender Kabaso Chongo after Zambia lost 2-1 to Kenya.

Speaking during a press briefing, “Micho” said the experienced TP Mazembe defender was expelled from camp for technical reasons and not for personal reasons as insinuated by some people.

“Micho” said Chongo’s expulsion from the national team has nothing to do with the player not being disciplined as he comes from one of the best organised clubs in Africa.

The Serbian said the defender was expelled from the team as he failed to meet some characteristics of being a role model to the young players and his chemistry with Thandi Mwape in defence did not work well.

“What happened to the captain of the national team Kabaso Chongo was because of technical reasons, it has nothing to do with discipline as he is coming from a very organised club.

“Zambia, in two matches of qualifiers and against Kenya conceded nine goals in three matches and the chemistry in central defense did not work so I wanted to try a new chemistry in central defence and overall with the team and it worked positively,” said “Micho.”

“Micho” insists Chongo is a top class player who deserve to be respected for the positive contribution to the Zambian game and for being an ambassador, representing Zambia as one of the best defenders in Congo.

The Serbian said he would not close the door for any player including the duo of Cletus Chama and Obrey Chirwa who were dropped earlier.

“Micho” said playing for Chipolopolo needs to be a privilege for players because nobody is bigger than the national team.

Meanwhile, “Micho” said three out of the five players he called from Europe have won a ticket to come back for the qualifiers against Botswana.

He said bringing players who will not be able to make a difference at national team level will not work with him as coach.