Manfred Chabinga has saluted Green Eagles coach Aggrey Chiyangi for becoming the second Zambian coach to eliminate Orlando Pirates from continental football.
Chabinga made history in 2010,also in the CAF Champions League, with his former club Gaborone United of Botswana who eliminated Pirates at the same stage 2-2 on away goals rule following a 0-0 home draw.
Furthermore, Chiyangi made more history because Pirates had prior to this year never been eliminated from continental competition by a Zambian club after Mufulira Wanderers and Zanaco both tumbled in the same competition to the Soweto giants.
“It shows that Zambian coaching standards are very high, If you followed Aggrey’s comments, a lot of people thought that Green Eagles were not going to beat Pirates and Pirates supporters also thought it would be a walkover,” the Nkana assistant coach said.
“It shows that they (Green Eagles) have a good coach and Chiyangi outwitted Pirates’ tactics.”
Chibanga said he was even more excited because his former club was holding its own in the CAF Champions League after making their continental debut last season in the 2018/2019 CAF Confederation Cup where they reached the second stage under Chiyangi.
“I am a Zambian and I have to be proud of this because early elimination from these continental competitions by our clubs will see our chances of keeping our four continental slots hurt. So it is important that our clubs continue doing well,”Chabinga said.
“Also remember that George Lwandamina at Zesco United eliminated Kaizer Chiefs in January, it shows our coaching standards are improving.”
Don’t read too much into it although Green Eagles are a good team. However, Pirates presently have no coach. Their coach resigned to join Zamalek