Green Buffaloes spent a third of the 2021/2021 MTN/FAZ Super League season fighting relegation but they breathe a sigh of relief at the close of the season as they finished ninth and remained in the topflight of Zambia’s football league competitions.
The army-sponsored side is fondly called ‘Go boys fight and conquer’ for their fighting spirit. They have campaigned regularly in the league with six (6) league titles to their name.
Things don’t always go your way in football as there are good and bad times. The ability to maintain a positive attitude and strong mentality to keep going is the most important.
In addition, external motivation, whether moral or financial in the form of promised bonuses or promotion has been shown to propel football teams to success as they strive to reach greater heights.
Earlier last season, ZamFoot Crew met up with Fred Joe Silwamba and Fredrick Mwimanzi, Green Buffaloes’ first-choice shot-stopper, and central defender respectively.
The duo gave an insight into the happenings at the army-sponsored football club after the one-all-draw against Lusaka Dynamos at MTN stadium of Woodlands, during last season’s week 31 fixtures.
They revealed that management had promised them something if they remained in the Super League, a promise which has been since been partially fulfilled.
“You know football goes hand in hand with motivation, which plays a role especially when the team is low. Yes, we have not been at our best this season, but we have tried to change the scope of our results in the second half of the season.”
“The good performance is in line with what the management promised us. They showed that they care for the team by making some promises after seeing the threat of relegation.”
“As a team, we thought it was wise to work extra hard to repay the management with good results for their dedication, continued support, and promises they have made and shown to the team in this difficult time, ”Fred Joe Silwamba revealed to ZamFoot last season.
Since then, the Green Buffaloes football club has elevated 5 players with new army positions from previously held. Fellon Sitonya and Robert Musonda Chama from corporal to the ranks of Sergeant; Fred Joe Silwamba, Jack Chirwa, and Gift Wamundila from Sergeants to staff Sergeants.
ZamFoot understands that a big fulfillment of the promise is on its way for all players who took part in the team’s relegation fight last season relegation.
Currently, Green Buffaloes are in Kawambwa at a marine unit force for an intensified pre-season preparation.
It is hoped that with such timely motivation coupled with adequate preparations, Green Buffaloes’ on-field performance will improve next season culminating in a good run in the ABSA Cup or a ‘top-four’ finish to qualify for CAF inter-club competitions.
