James Chamanga says he is not contemplating his international retirement following his 2015 AFCON axing.
The 34-year-old veteran of five Africa Cup’s was axed by Zambia coach Honour Janza from the final 23-member team that travels to Equatorial Guinea next week.
“They are people who are trying to force me into retirement which I am not going to,” Chamanga said.
“I will continue being positive about my career and focus on the club and my country.
“I am still strong and I feel very strong.”
Chamanga, who plays for Chinese club Liaoning Whowin, was the best African striker in the 2014 China Super League season after scoring eleven goals.
Meanwhile Honour Janza says he never guaranteed axed striker James Chamanga’s place despite appointing him as team mentor.
The veteran 34-year-old striker was axed from Zambia’s final 23- member team by coach Honour Janza after falling to impress the interim coach.
Chamanga was handed extra duties as team mentor similar to the position current assistant coach Kampamba Chintu held at the 2013 Africa Cup after he was dropped from the South Africa-bound team.
“When I said Chamanga carries intrinsic qualities that other people can’t see aside from on field work, that did not mean it was an obvious passport to the final 23. Everyone had to fight for a place in the final team,” Janza said.
“I can praise any player’s attributes but that does not warrant their selection they need to work hard for a place.”
Chamanga who plays for Chinese club Liaoning Whowin was a veteran of five Africa Cup’s stretching back to 2006.
[MTNFootball.com]
Abena Chamz hmmm …