Former Chipolopolo skipper Christopher Katongo is among the players who are earmarked for release at South Africa PSL side Bidvest Wits.
Wits are working on bolstering their squad with foreign players and will thus release two players one of them being Katongo.
Soccerladuna reports that Katongo have struggled to maintain consistency in their game throughout the season hence the club’s decision to offload the duo.
“Katongo has failed to deliver the same prolific form which he displayed during his time with Jomo Cosmos back between 2004 and 2006, however his release will depend on the acquisition of a suitable replacement,” the report stated.
Katongo has made eight league starts in 17 appearances and has only scored twice. His deal with the Students expires in June 2015 however Wits have the option of extending it for another year.
Looks like curtains are finally closing on Chris’ illustrious career. Sad but inevitable.
AFCON Winning Captain
Chris Kantongo has not proved a point after joining the PSL for the second time that is still young as he cliams. He should just hug his boots and enjoy other things
Tebufi
Ba Katongo kwati chapwa nomba mwe. Maybe if he had signed for Chippa Utd, he could have been playing regularly and his form would have been fine. Remember Chippa Utd wanted him but opted to sign for Wits. I think kupwa nomba Ba Captain fantastic. No kukula naba kula. At least he has achieved what most former Chipolopolo captains failed to achieve. All the best tata Ba Katongo.
Yes, he achieved something no other chipolopolo captain in the history of Zambian football has ever achieved, he captained a team that won Afcon and he won BBC African footballer of the year. He will go down in history as one of the best footballers Zambia has had.
Very true Ba Steve.
It is fine ba Katonga,you were there and done it bravo wish you well in your next chapter of your life.
Let me get this straight. These guys are not happy because the striker was unable to replicate his form from 10yrs ago? Lol. I wish Katongo had stayed in China. He was wearing the Captains armband for his club and was playing well.
Its like 2012 AFCON win has become a long term curse. Bouyed by his BBC African player of the year award, Katongo thought he was too good for Chinese football and now is wallowing on a bench in SA.
Isaac Chansa, suddenly thought he too was too good for Orlando Pirates and has since ended up China, India, Sweden, and now the local league.
Sunzu thought he was too good for TP Mazembe and is now in China
Nathan Sinkala thought he was too good to TP Mazembe and now he’s back there again
Golden boot winner Mayula thought he was ready for primetime and moved to EPL. Hasn’t worked out.
Hichani Himoonde, too good for Mazembe ended up at Sundowns in SA and is now nowhere to be seen.
What happened to our football for crying out loud.
SMDH.
True that.
I guess the moral of the story is “stay where you are appreciated and known even after success.”
A dead Katongo is far better than the current crop of players ZAMBIA is parading. He is not in top form naturally as age has taken its toll on him. He could however be inspirational to the young lads. I would nog count him out entirely.
All the best ba katonga
Katongos spirit cannot equal to for current chipolopolo players. He is a true warrior.
A RETIRED GENERAL he has made his contribution to our football
chris evrything has got time, so time has come to coach zambian national team. u can do hero,,,
Jomo Cosmos the team that groomed him into a star are in the play-offs for promotion to the PSL. Should they get promoted he should consider a return for at least another season before hanging up his boots. Jomo Sono has a very soft heart for Chris so getting a years contract there will be an afternoon discussion over a 12 year old single malt bottle and the deal is done. Chris still has football in him, no need to retire if playing time is still available to him.
The best position I ever saw Chris playing was in midfield (number 8)at GBFC. His nack for goal was his undoing; coaches switched him to a number 10 or even number 9. With age not on his side, I propose Chris reverts to his number 8 position. In this position, you have less pressure but he can draw from what he does naturally:
1. He is a good passer of the ball
2. He is a workaholic
3. He is dominant in the middle of the pack
4. He is very strong on the ball
5. He is very athletic; so he can manage to trek back and forth
If you guys watched Zambia Vs Cape Verde; in which we lost 2:1 away, Chris came in as a substitute, he played some of the best football in the Chipolopolo Shirt. Don’t mind the 3;0 bashing performance of Bafanafana.
In any case, Zambia does not have someone you can relly on as a creative midfielder at the moment. I can bet on this guy. In the twilight of his career, let him revert to his natural position.
Well said, brother. It appears l am being biased becos of my admiration of Katongo for being a workaholic & for his unmatched physical strength. Forgive me but l think he still has a lot to offer Zambia. I wish we had him in Ghana.
True ,he is better than the old guard we are now parading in the name of building.A frontline with Jackson Mwanza who has literally failed in inferior leagues like Sudan,discarding Katongo for unproven 30 plus years striker is total lack of common sense!Even an off form Mbesuma can do better!
i concre
The Problem Of Us Zambians Is That We Dont Appreciate The Our Players After Serving For The Nation Chris Has Done A Lot 4 Zambia He Is One Of The Best Strikers We’ve Had He Is One Of The Players Who Hav The Heart 4 The Nation He Is The 2012 Afcon Winning Captain, BBC Footballer Of The Yr A Fully Matured & Disciplined Player A Warrior On The Field Of Play Yes Chris Is A Heroe Jst Like Kalusha,Tana And No One Can Be Compared To Him Ths Time