Former Zambia striker Jacob Mulenga recently had a podcast to talk about football.
Mulenga formed a twin tower partnership with James Chamanga at the 2010 African Cup of Nations in Angola.
AFCON 2012
“We had a good Africa Cup before, in 2010 in Angola. We played well over there. So that was the build-up. We lost against Nigeria in the quarter finals. It was a good experience for us. I was looking forward to the AFCON in 2012. But after getting injured. Obviously, that is part of football. It was difficult watching. But then, I got injured we were happy for everyone. Because It was the work we have been doing for the last three years and then it was paying off. If you look at the past Africa Cups before, we were progressing and advancing and getting better and better.”
Zambia during the 90’s
“Back then Kalusha was a very big name and actually very influential in my career. I had a lot of respect for what he had done with PSV. In that period, I think they did the Olympics (88) as well. They played well. It was a big thing with Kalusha. He had a big influence on everything. The plan crash happening was a tragedy for everyone. Everyone knows about that and talks about that. But it sort of brought more light on the country. The next players came, it was sort of a rebuilding phase. So, it was difficult to wipe out a whole generation of good players for a national team and start a fresh team, but we did it and moved on. We started rebuilding.”
Playing style Zambia
“We are going to the AFCON, so I don’t want to give it away. But, it is very dynamic. Because Zambian players are naturally not really big, for myself I am a bit of an exception with my hight. But generally it’s people who are not so tall. Most of them are extremely technical guys and extremely fast. The guys we have now, with Patson Daka of Leicester City, we have another one playing for Lecce, we have another, Sakala, played for Rangers who just moved. We have a couple in Italy. In Switzerland we have some guys who played the Champions League, with Young Boys. And player from Red Star Belgrade. The style of play is more passes and counter attack play of football. We try to get forward as fast as possible, to make sure that the opponent is not in shape when attacking.”
Expectations AFCON
“Zambia is going to get quite far. I expect them to do well, because they had a good period. We missed the last Afrika Cup. But now, most of the kids who won the Africa Cup U20. Who went to the World Cup and did well. Most of them are graduates from there. So, we had a transition period and they did well. So, I expect them to do well. We have a good squad.”
Favourites AFCON
“We are one of the favourites, we have won it before. It’s about a mentality. With World Cups you have favourites and everything, but in Africa Football it is so different. Because everyone is so athletic, so fast. It’s one moment that changes everything. The African competition is very different. One of the big guys, obviously you have Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco. That country is doing extremely well right now with the players they have. Ivory Coast is playing at home. The home team usually always has a big advantage. Because of the fans and the drive. I expect this Africa Cup to be even better than the ones before. Because the federation, the CAF congratulations to them, are making the Africa Cup more attractive and bigger. It’s the pride of every African. To try and play for their country. And win something for their country. So, I am expecting quite an exciting event.”
Listen to the interview podcast on the link start time code from 14:26 to 26:20
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2KBJlekk3sS2nwN8nHJ8bN
