MBESUMA GRIEVES

… AFCON failures regrettable but we can rise, says 2012 AFCON champion

COLLINSMbesuma says football politics have killed the Zambian game resulting in the national soccer team failing to qualify to three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations.

Mbesuma, a 2012 AFCON winner currently playing for University of Pretoria FC in the South African First Division said it is painful to see Zambia failing to qualify for the Africa Cup despite having a lot of talented players.

He said there is need for FAZ to focus on developing the game instead of paying attention to football politics which will never develop the sport.

In an interview, the former Roan United player who went on to feature for South African giants Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Portsmouth in England urged the Football Association of Zambia to ensure that football is played on the pitch and not on social media.

Mbesuma observed that some players are also overhyped on social media but fail when they are summoned to represent the country.

He noted that some players have also contributed to Zambia failing as they may not be hungry enough to achieve greatness at national team level.

“It is very sad that we have failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations three time in a row despite having a lot of talented players but I hope FAZ knows what they are doing now. “FAZ has implemented a number of projects at junior level which is good and as a footballing nation we have a lot of talented players but my honest opinion is that we should stop playing football on social media. Let’s forget about football politics because football politics will never take our football anywhere,” Mbesuma said.

Mbesuma is however hopeful that Zambian football will rise to regain its status as a footballing nation because of the availability of many talented players.

He said there is need for the public to respect the current FAZ administration given the mandate to develop football in Zambia.

Mbesuma said Chipolopolo coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic deserves to be supported as preparations for the World Cup qualifiers kick off in June. He reaffirmed his commitment to represent Zambia at national team level noting that he still has lot to contribute as he competes in one of the toughest leagues in South Africa.