“We messed up”

…transitional process wasn’t done correctly says Singuluma

FORMER Chipolopolo striker Given Singuluma has observed that the process of transitioning from the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations champions has continued to have a negative impact on the Chipolopolo.

Speaking in an interview, Singuluma who was part of the 2012 AFCON winning team in Gabon said it was a mistake to sideline all the experienced players at the same time.

Singuluma said the process of transitioning should have been done gradually with the experienced players being routed out of the Chipolopolo one by one.

“The problem we have faced since 2012 is the transition from that generation to this generation, there is no way you can remove all the experienced players at once.

“When going through a transition it’s important to remove experienced players one by one so that even players who are coming to the national team are guided on the culture to follow so that they can also pass on the experience to the others once their time comes to an end at the national team,” Singuluma said.

He said that it is not good that Zambia has been rebuilding in each and every game when fans expect the best results.

Singuluma who won eight Congolese titles, three CAF Champions Leagues and two Confederations Cup trophies with TP Mazembe said there is need for the current crop of players to work extra hard to meet the nation’s expectations of going to the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.

He said qualifying for tournaments such as the Africa Cup and the World Cup is not easy but noted that with hard work, discipline and determination anything is possible in football.

Singuluma was the top scorer at the inaugural Championship of African Nations (CHAN) tournament in Ivory Coast after he scored five goals.

He noted that the Chipolopolo is not far from going back to its glory days with the availability of good players playing professional football in major leagues in Europe.

“We have quality players and most of them they are playing professional football. What is important to get results is hard work in football and once they have that experience at international level I think they will take Zambia forward as long as they remain active and disciplined,” Singuluma said.