African Cup of Nations winning captain Christopher Katongo says he will ignore critics surrounding him and perform to the glory of Mother Zambia.
Katongo was on Monday recalled to the national team after a one-year absence and retained the captaincy of the team ahead of the Rwanda African Nations Championship (CHAN) that kicks off on January 17.
In an interview, Katongo said he had always wanted to succeed and would work towards that goal.
“Critics will always be there. I ignore them because I have lived through them. Even when I lifted the Africa Cup, some people still criticised me just as was the case when I joined Green Buffaloes. So if I can’t deliver, then I will hang up my boots,” Katongo said.
He said critics and failure were not his portion as he had always wanted to accomplish something in life.
Katongo said he would fight hard to win back his position in the national team.
He said his contribution to the national team should be recognised because it was his duty to represent the country at the highest level.
He applauded the positive reception he had been accorded in the team.
Katongo said going to Rwanda focused, with a common goal of representing the country,was the only way to bring the trophy home.
“Football is not an easy game. Looking at groups at CHAN, there is no favourite. All what is important is to focus, make a team and move as a family with one goal in mind that we are representing Zambia. Without this, then we cannot perform better at the tournament,” said Katongo.
The team, which regrouped on Monday, broke camp yesterday and was expected to regroup next week after Christmas.
Keeper Toaster Nsabata and striker Conlyde Luchanga despite reporting for camp sat out of training due to illnesses.
Meanwhile, China-based striker James Chamanga trained with the team yesterday to maintain his fitness while on recess.
[The Post]
Its true Chriss go and show them that you are a factor at national team level. Advise lwandamina on chipeshi surely he can’t manage at that level. May be in 2017 he can.
After Kalu we need Chris as FAZ president. I like fighters and people who sell themselve, like Chamanga.
jacob be with mother zambia
Kalusha Bwalya,Rodger Miller hanged up their boots in forties.Continue working hard and we will support you.
Chris your experience is of vital importance to the team,iam not so sure about Chansa’s fitness levels though.
lets wait and see. am sure john & the wailers will make their thoughts known soon
What do you have to say? Stop your diabolical views about others & give your candid opinion. Negativity is what is killing you. See the glass as half full & not half empty. That’s the cat the went to London and saw nothing in the whole of London but a little mouse. Do you know why the cat saw nothing but only the little mouse? Because that’s what the cat is always looking for. If your life is hinged on negativity, that’s all that you see. Be positive &Grow up into the fold of mankind.
I like it to hear Chamanga too is training with the team to keep fit. that alone can help young ones to learn one or two from this experience.
Christopher Katongo is a valuable player to have even if he cant quite hit the level.
People should not see him as taking places but as imparting the winning mentality to the next generation!
He is not the team, the team is the team and victory rest on them. Christopher Katongo is a bonus.
I also support this idea that Katos is back.You people Katos ninshimbi.He pushes things and he brings the morale booster.Young lads will learn from him.He is still valuable to the team because of his determination and positive approarch towards the goals.He mean what he says.Go go go and give us a goal Chris Katoz.God bless mother Zambia
FRIENDLIES!
With or without Chris!
TEAMSPIRIT!
Win or lose!
JUSTICE!
Strong or weak soldier!
We will support you katman
Chris its good you always put behind critics,keep the spirit, the same critics are the ones which push you to climb ladders.You and chansa will make a deference .
Then our beloved coach lwandamina chipesha shouldn’t be a starter.
….but do we have a proper preps program in place….?
If we had 15 million zambians who has C K ‘s mentality we will be not be languishing like this in nearly every sector of the country,way to go skipper.
Welcome back my captain. I missed u.
you have our support chris forget the critics and teach the team the fighting spirit and playing as a team attitude you always have.
Don’t listen to armchair critics. Stay focused and disciplined. You must learn from mistakes and move on Captain. These boys need you.
Chris is an icon in African football. He is unque & his exemplary leadership qualities are unmatched on the continent. He leads by example & his positive attitude is what carried him through . His experience is what the young ones should strive to tap into it. They will see a difference in themselves if they look up to Chris. He is the Captain of all Captains. LONG LIVE CHRIS. May the Good Lord Bless you on whatever you do – on and off the field.