ZAMBIA WILL WIN AFCON AGAIN – KATONGO

By BARNABAS ZULU

FORMER Chipolopolo captain Christopher Katongo has expressed confidence that Zambia will reclaim continental glory by winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) again, following the country’s historic 2012 triumph.
Katongo, who captained Zambia to its maiden AFCON trophy under French coach Hervé Renard, said the nation still has what it takes to rise to the top of African football
“Coach Hervé Renard was tough. When you were not doing the work, alekaba bad (he was hard). He took things personal. He is one of the best coaches Zambia has ever had,” Katongo recalled.
The 2012 skipper emphasised that Zambia must learn from recent shortcomings and focus on rebuilding.
“The failures are a sign that we are not doing certain things right, and we can correct them filya ifyaso (those mistakes). We showed the Confederation of African Football that Zambia is part of the big names, and we can do it again,” he said.
Katongo admitted that the journey back to the top may not be immediate but urged patience and discipline.
“It might not be tomorrow olofye years, but we will definitely win it again – mark my words. There is hope. I have been there, I saw it, and I experienced it. We will get back in the history books again until we have three stars on our national jersey.”
He also delivered a message of encouragement to the current crop of Chipolopolo players.
“To you all lads, take every game as the last game in your career. Carry the nation on your shoulder and put discipline above all. There is hope. Remember – Bola na Lesa! (Football with God).” Katongo remains one of Zambia’s most iconic footballers, remembered for his leadership during the 2012 AFCON in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, where Zambia defeated Ivory Coast in the final to secure a historic victory.