Zambia’s national Soccer team, the Chipolopolo, has arrived in Ghana’s capital Accra for the 26th African Cup of Nations (CAN 2008), which kicks off this Sunday.
The 30-member team consisting of both players and officials, including their coach, Patrick Phiri, was met on arrival at the Accra International Airport yesterday by Stanley Adjiri Blankson, the Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dr Kofi Amoah.
Other officials who also welcomed the team included Tony Baffoe, SOS FIFA Ambassador, Abedi Pele Goodwill Soccer Ambassador of Africa and Lepowura Alhaji M.N.D. Jawula, the Vice-Chairman of the LOC.
Blanskon wished the team well and assured them of the country’s great hospitality.
The Chipolopolo boys will base in Kumasi, in Ashanti Region.
Yesssss!
chawama sana
Good Luck boys! As other people have mentioned, there are positives to be taken from the friendly results. Its actually a good thing that goals were conceded by mistakes made. I’m sure the technical bench will address these as they analyse the tapes in the lead up. Also, Tana being dropped is probably for the best, although we needed him, and FAZ should’ve been firmer from the beginning. If he was included in the squad, it might just cause problems. Its a difficult but right decision.
Boys you are carrying the FLAG and HOPES of a nation fully behind you regardless of the circumstances. Just play hard and with dignity,–all else will follow.
Big up!!!!!!!!All the best of luck,don´t let beat you,you are for the indepedent zambia bane
I’m usually positive about Chipo. But this time I’m anxious. I don’t see us going far. All the best lads.
First in – First out…
It will be another “I told you so”. Zambia should forget about ever going beyond the first round of any ACN competition until FAZ, the players,Government and all stakeholders realise that football is big business. The stupidity exhibited by all officials in the way they handled Tana and Nkausu’s callup to Morrocco and then droped without a mature explanation is a confirmation of how unfocused our soccer fratenity is. To be honest, I will routing for Ivory Coast!
Imagine, Senegal had to plead with Diof after he anounced his retirement, Jon Obi Mikel is one indisciplined player but the NFA had to swallow their pride and include him in the squad. That is how serious our west African bros. are with football. Whatever Tana did, Mulonga should have waited until after the tornament and then punish him. Now, after 3 games, Zambia will be back and every soccer fan will be calling for Mulonga’s blood. Sometimes I wonder why educated people act like fools!
John Obi Mikel is no longer an indisciplned player. Chelsea hired a Cousellor to counsel Mikel over his discipline. He now commands a starting position at Chelsea. This is what FAZ should have done to Fat Boy Mbesuma.
#6 and #7 The Chipolopolo boys have what it takes to upset tables. Most of our players are not known by our opponents. Kwateni icimwela guys na imwe. Yashani? Mulonga, however, must go regardless of the result (even if we were to win the cup, it would be good for the nation if Mulonga left) He and his people are playing with tax payers money – our money. Dropping players after they have travelled does not show fiscal discipline.
Go Zambia Go! Guys play your best we are behind you.
Abene bamupila na ba bboma.
Yaba! Bakatufyampula kachelochelo.
Commitment 100%
Guys we should not lose hope. This game is about winning and losing. Iam sure the guys will put up a 101% performace, so let us rally behind them. It will be intersting to see how Billy Mwanza will take on the in form E’etoo. Bakapanga ishina ba Billy. Good luck guys. We are 100% behind you all the way.
i dont think we will go past the group stage,ifintu filemoneka ukupena mwi team…and this is the reality. ukasombola efyo wabyele…
Sudan has named it’s final 23 players from only two local clubs.Al Hillal African Champion league semi finalists and Al Merrikh Confederation cup losing Finalist.The whole frontline is from Al Merriekh.Talk about a front line that knows each other well this is it.I wonder what some guys on this blog would have said if it was Zambia that lost 6-0 in a warm up nmatch to Guinea.
If you go to Sudan today the guys their still beleive their team can go far.
Still people believe Zambia can deliver, interesting! But those saying Mulonga should go are right
Mulonga = Zambian football stagnation + Comfusion. As long as Teddy is around in FAZ Zambia wil not go anywhere. Gents lets act, surely Teddy as made us drift 30 years back.
Lets move on with confidence and support CHIPO. But dont trust them too much because anything can happen.
GOOD LUCK BOYS!!!!!!
Go conquer, when beaten lift your heads, we are all proud of you.Take a game after a game.Go boys go.
Just to correct you #8, It is not that educated people act like fools. Rather, they are Educated Fools! Tana has been a disciplined player from ever since… They should have handled the case more diligently. Just hope there will be no defense errors.Otherwise all gonna blame Faz. Good thing is anyone is replaceable. Good luck Zambia.
Good luck Zambia…..but Mulonga and his team must stop ifyabupuba!
Don’t worry guys. The defence will be ok, and cum March uncle teddy shld go. Kalu for FAZ president. we won’t have such mess wasting our tax money.
keep ya head up!!! Chipolopolo,the first to arrive and hope the last to leave. we’ill be watching.
I would like to ask you guys, what credentials Teddy Mulonga has, as far as the administration of soccer is concerned? I think he has decided to emphasise his own importnace, instead of putting zambia’s best interests ahead of anything. This man does not have my vote! Great Kalu for Prez! He’s a man that understands football from a player’s point of view. You want zambia to progress, we need someone that understand the game, and has the respect of the players.
We Zambians are amazing! Kalusha abe FAZ president? For Zambian football to progress we need to think beyond Mulonga, Krate Galu and all the other ntala misokaz. They are the immediate cause of our coming back early from the AFCON!
my brother, Mutino we need sumone who has connections around the world, and that is great kalu, why do u zambians NOT see value in him, when CAF, FIFA, and south africa 2010, have made him a commite member. pilz lets stop this PHD(pull down sydrome). Kalu can do the job. Cuz even this team in Ghana, was formed and discovered by Great KALU, EXCEPT FOR 2 UNDER 20 PLAYERS.MAYUKA AND NJOBV,
YES, GREAT KALU FOR FAZ PRESIDENT.
Yeah, most of you guys here are right about changing the FAZ leadership but I don’t think Kalusha is the man to bring change. In my view, it was a mistake forcing him to resign from the coaching position, if you watched the last ACN, the team was full of promise and I think if he remained coach, the team would have been stronger by now. Kalu, is great on the pitch but too stubbon to lead an organisation, mind you, he is partly to blame for the current confusions in FAZ…
Ctd..What we need is a guy like Ponga Liwewe or Hannif Adams to run FAZ, these guys have both the Business Acumen and understanding of the football business. Besides, they are both relatively young and Iam sure they would work well with Kalusha as coach.
#26 BA LULA, you’re so right. Us zambians have a habit of under-rating not only ourselves, but our compatriots that have done better than us.Kalusha has indeed been noted as a great ambassador of football by FIFA and CAF.He has alot more credibility than the Hanif Adams and Ponga Liwewes of this world. He is totally football. You want a businessman at the head of a football federation? what guarantee do you have that he will put FOOTBALL first? Lets be real! Yes, KALU some short-comings but he
Chipo…all the best boys. You can do, just be confident and play the game.
is well respected in the Game, and is a recognised brand. It always helps when it comes to getting certain things done.I firmly believe in democracy, so i think come the FAZ ELECTIONS, the people will prevail.The country just doesnt need some old-school bully calling the shots on the technical side of the game.My interest, and the interests of many a chipolopolo fan are that we must regain our past glory and better it.Football management is all about reputations and connections;
@30, What are you talking about! Why do you think the English League is currently the best in financial terms? The people leading the FA all have business credentials. Football is not just about kicking the ball. Yes Kalu is totally football, thats why he belongs on the pitch as coach, not as an administrator. The ambasodorial roles he plays at FIFA and SA can be played by anyone because its only their presence that matters, not skill…
show me one person who’s more recognizable in football circles than Kalu.
Whenever i talk to anyone from anywhere in the world thats into their football and i mention i’m from zambia, they always associate that with kalusha bwalya.
#33 ok, so i suppose you share the opinion that hanif adams or ponga , as suggested by someone earlier should run our association? For your own information, the president or ceo of a football association does not make the financial decisions for the whole league; the premiership teams are run by businessmen:FACT! but the FA a committee, and the credibility of a national football body is what im questioning!
Which Administrator has been more succesful than Hanif Adams in Zambia? From a proffessional administration point of view, Ponga is far much better than Kalu Teddy. We need a guy who will work with everyone in harmonny.
Number 33, You want some business executive who knows little about football and has no influence in football circles?
Gooooooo boys!!! I dont care if u lose all the games, just Goooooooo!!! Mulonga get out!!
You can bring in Sepp Blatter for all I care, but as long we neglect to invest in the sporting infrastructure for youth football development, we won’t go anywhere. Kalu and the late football greats were a product of heavy investment by super Ken through ZCCM. We need Levy and the corporate sector to pump more bucks into youth development otherwise we’re just living a dream!!!
Does Kalu look a person whos knows nothing about Administration?
nonetheless, I wish our chaps all the very best…we’ll be cheering you on till the very end!!!
No. 39, its true support is required from the government. In addition, I would say we need football administrators who have the interest of the game at heart not mercinaries who are just there to fill their pockets.
Guys Michel Platini the current UEFA President is a former footballer who is running the biggest continental football organization in the World.He has some people working with him who are great Administrators and some of them have business credentials.He understands football better cos he is former footballer like Kalu.For me i feel Kalu and Hanif Adams could form a wonderful partnership.I have a lot of respect for Hanif a guy who has managed to keep Lsk Dynamoes in the Premier league for years.
Sibs. thats they exact point i was trying to make. Someone that understands the game from a players’, coaches’, and administration point of view is what we need and kalu fits the bill. Ofcourse he needs to work in tandem with people that handle the financial and business side of football. thats the reason why there is a committee.FAZ lacks financial independence , so there is dire need for some business direction there.
I think all the teams mu Premier are sponsored by some company or organization but Hanif has done it all these years almost alone in our current economy,the guy deserves some credit.Pair him with Kalu and guys like Ponga Liwewe then we have an A Team to take our football further.So the notion that a former footballer can’t run an org is out.An another good example of a former footballer is the great Frans Beckenbauer the guy that was in charge of the planing of the 2006 World Cup.
Guys. i can not stand the politics in FAZ. What i can simply say is we needed the experience of Tana. But unfortunately because he has some diferences with the head of FAZ. Phiri was engineered to drop him. This is the same case with James Chamanga. They did not want to include him in the team and after scoring them goals in PSL Ba Phiri woke up and called the boy. If only we can remove personal diferences and politik in FAZ we can lift the flag high.
All in All good lucky Zambia.
Makai i am with you we need someone who has lived the life of a footballer and has played the game at the highest level.Kalu has played in Africa,Europe,Central America and Asia if i am no mistaken.The guy has contacts in all these continents.Which person in Zed currently can much this.Talk of Caf and Fifa the man has contacts.The man might have his short falls,but we all do.The other problem in Zed is that we don’t appreciate our own.We can learn alot from the Nigerians when it comes
to supporting their own.Which former player in Africa currently is in Fifa and Caf someone help me??
my Bro sibs, u are not wrong KALU has played in all Africa, Europe,Central America and Asia, i understand Adams is a good businessman, and Ponga is good too, but i think Kalu is known around the world, this a Man who can bring Holland for a friendly Game against zambia, in “NEW NDOLA STADIA”, BUT LETS TRY HIM.
Bane ati boys losted their bagages whilst on transit. Is this not one way of demolizing them?
Ba lula, and others, there is a saying “when you are going up greet those who meet own your way” because the day will fall they will lie their hands to protect. As much as I accept that Kalu takeover FAZ the guy has done little on the grassroots that gloomed him. Today we would have children put on t-shirts marked Great Kalu if wanted it. I doubt if he has a necessary youth team in Kamuchanga, Mufulira. I like the guy but he has to think about home trotting around the world is meaningless if
NEVER MIND, IT HAPPENS ALWAYS IN AFRICA, WE ARE USED.HATE IT OR LOVE IT. ZAMBIA WILL WIN.
# 16 “CK,” please find your own ID.
ctd… you dont sow in your field. We want to see Kalu Academy in Shimbala, Kazungula, Nyimba, Shangombo, Kasumbalesa, Mporokoso, Malole to tapp talent.
#7 is a unzambian and we shall deport you to Ivory coast. Iwe chimbi sorry for the language unity is all need to be victors. Tana has been called FAZ so many times to turn up the team was still in Zambia. The boy kept on promising. Action are better than words. Whatever action taken by FAZ I suppose because displine is the key to success. If Tana thinks he can make money in Sudan let him do so. Who knows may his life freighten mind u we are playing Sudan.
I remember in Japan Germany played Uruguay and Santo Cruz was then playing for Bayern Munich. The Bayern goolie freighten him to be manhandled once he scored again Germany. The boy just played only 7 minutes in the first half and he was injured or a pretext. Remember there is money involved. Soccer is an industry!!
I believe Kalusha can take FAZ to the next level. Football fans all know and are bored of Mr Mulonga. It is time someone else took over. Kalu has been exposed to modern soccer and admnistrtion and therefore has the makes of a modern day adminstrator. It is a pit that Zambians think lowly of Kalu when FIFA and countries like South Africa appreciate our Man. Kalu has achieved so much in African soccer and no one can take that away from him
I take a more cautiosly optimistic approach to expections from Chipolopolo. Their glory days are long gone! With little or no investment in infrastructure and development. That and our FAZ *****s still playing armchair soccer in the Boardroom and press, only a miracle can see us through.
Go boys go!!!!!! Muli bena milambo. Tuwina ichungulo. Iyee!!! chipolopolo. But however iam disappointed with whoever sent Tana and Nkausu coz that is playing with tax payers money. Task force where are you?
Kalu can make a good FAZ chairman as long as he lives in Z not Joburg. Ponga and Hanif are good also. Mulonga is our biggest mistake after FTJ. Why fly players all the way to Tunisia when you know they are not on a list submitted to FIFA? The coach and his team must pick the team. Its only in Z where we have a technical committee.
Ala bwafya
shidada, the FAZ prez job is not a full time job, u don’t need to in the office 25hrs, and he is not suppose to watch all games like a coach. he just neeeds to attend meetings and share ideas, and move around the world lookin for connections, and Kalu can do that very well, cuz he is in CAF, FIFA, AND LOC.
ZAMBIA BANKING ON WINNING MIRACULOUSLY….OWEEI, MAAAAWE!
Finally, voices of reason! Bane, its so nice to chat with pipo as passionate about CHIPOLOPOLO as i am. Whatever our varied opinions, FAZ has to be reformed and upgraded to a modern football management body. In zambia we may not have many big players, but we are blessed with intellectuals;Win or lose next week, the boys can rest assured that there’s an entire nation that has their interests at heart. As for that chap, Abdulaziz………SUDAN WA WA! Please dont mistaken our blog for Al jezeera!
I have been following the debate about Kalu being President. Ba Lula is correct coz we need someone who loves football at heart and Kalu is no exception. Whenever the chips were down he used to show patriotism and that is a very big plus. What more can we ask for? Have we forgoten the Gabon disaster and the patriotism he showed. Not these players of today who spend 24hrs at kabwe round about.
No totally miraculously, jhomu (Number 62). The boys also have the talent. Just wait and see. Besides every team some miracle to win a game.
Every team is hoping for a miracle, Jhomu (Number 62). Especially those that are facing the Chipolopolo boys.
Gentlemen, Now I understand why Zambia is still a backward nation after 43 yrs of independence. Cna you count anything tangible that Kalu has done interms of football development in Zambia even thogh he keeps singing about how passionate he is about soccer in Zambia. Looko at what Becks has and is still doing, he has built accademies in the UK, and now in the US, thats how you identify someone with real passion and appreciation for what football has given them. With all due respect for Kalu,…
ctd… he has failed to help even one single yputh to break into the European league, he took Harry Milanzi to Mexico, and you talk about connections! Look at Abedi Pele, his son will soon be playing for Arsenal! Kalu can redeem himself by contributing on the Pitch as coach, he has absolutely no organisational leadership qualities. Even if you give him qualified administrators, he will differ with them in no time because of his pompusness. Remember during his playing days? he always wanted…
ctd… everything to be about him, no wonder he was never in good books with the likes Charles Musonda and Johnston Bwalya. I have nothing against him but when it comes to issues of public interest, we have to be serious, puting him at the helm of FAZ will be another Mistake after FTJ, Levy and Teddy. Don’t just support blindly, face the truth.
60- 61 Shida and Ba Lula
You would make one of your greatest mistakes to make Kalu the president . He has no managerial capabilities and is self centred and greedy. Do you know that in all those years you used to think he was patriotic he used to demand and get paid more than other players. To him there was no patriotism it was business as usual. Today he is clamouring for Milanzi to be included when he was coach he took Milanzi to Africa cup and kept him on the bench the whole tornamentm
He was chased from Mulira wonderers after he donated some Jersys he wanted to start interfering in the running of the club.He was told to pick his Jerseys and get out.
He was a brilliant player, but now he is a failed coach and poor administrator he is only good as a commentator on super sport.
come faz’s general meeting in march, let us see, i’m am not sold that kalu is the man for job. it is not up to us fans who all crave for the one thing. kalu has his status from being our greatest player, but is that relative here? i hope they question thoroughly kalu’s intentions, how will he be better and how will he improve the organization greatly? ultimately, what is his motivation to do this?
I totally agree with #39. I have no option but to have faith in the chipolopolo boys. They’ve let me down for years, but at every tournament i have hope that they may do wonders and show to the world that zambia is still one of the best soccer teams in africa. Tana should not have been dropped from the team. He’s one of the best players we’ve got and he shows leadership and puts confidence in other players. Mulonga should go and i don’t think kalu can do much, though he may win.
It is encouraging that a former player is actively getting involved in the administration of football. however, mulonga and kalu have both said that there is no room hero worshipping, so we hope that means kalu’s status does not guarantee him right to the job. make him prove himself worthy. it is time to start afresh. we don’t want to see football mismanaged and plunged into more uncertainty time and time again…
…despite reasonable preparations being made for the team, in the last four weeks we have seen the failure to ascertain sichone & sinkala’s fitness and availability, the decision to allow tana to mysteriously go for as long as he did and then send him back at the last minute only to be taken off. it was not god that took him off, someone did. it can seem like the rug has been pulled from underneath us, everyone’s confidence has been shaken. so nothing ever goes smoothly…
… good luck to the team, it doesn’t matter what has happened before, when you put on the colours, everyone is behind you, play hard! play to win!
good luck to nambia, our neighbors going to ghana our past countryman.
(edit) Namibia, going to honor our past countryman.
Boys its seems CAF has confirmed that Chansa and Katongo can play against Sudan. This is our pray.
alo
Easy # 78 point of correction, CAF confirmed the suspension of the dual. check out the post sports page, its free.
Chipos for Life!!
interesting contributions indeed, for some of you who want to avail yourdelves with more views on the chipos visit www dot zambia dot co dot zm/chipolopolo/index dot php
Chipos for Life!!!
www dot zambia dot co dot zm/chipolopolo
This why I think Chipolopolo will do well in Ghana. The first game is with Sudan, the weakest team in the group, remember we beat them in CECEFA and then those crooks said Chipoloplo could keep the mahafu and not the trophy? The current Sudan has no AFCON experience, we do. Cameroun is a strong team but I think they are not 100% prepared, if Etoo is on a beat day, then Cameroun will be in trouble. Egpty wont beat us on neutral ground, at least I see Chipololo in the quarters
I have been in a good mood since January 1, so I am very optimistic that Zambia is going past the quarters, past the semis and all the way to the finals to lift the cup. Those under-20 boys who already have international exposure will do the honours. Our preps have been good, no financial squabbles in the team, morale is high. Our defenders and those under-20 lads want international recognition and contracts, so Eto’o stands no chance! Africa Cup coming soon to a town near you – WATCH THIS SPACE
People lets face facts. Chipolopolo are time wasters and have gone to CAF to contribute free points to Teams who are serious with winning. As far as I am concerned this team lost right from the Football House (Administration), even before they landed in Ghana.
hey,edward easy..yes we know that the chipolopolo boys are coming back to zed sooner than they arrived in ghana,but still let us show some support to our team,let us not only focuss on their shortcomings but we can remember the good results wev had from them like the southafrica one last year…Chill and let us see for ourselves what these guys are capable of… Viva Chipoloplo Boys.
twa fika Ghana mu kulusa bakamba
Imwe guys let us wait and see muka papa and then change your story pa last. Elo imwe always attacking Mulonga ninshi.I think he is a good administrator and has been one of the best Zambia has ever had but am not saying he is always right. As for Kalu you people still worship him I do not dispute the fact that he was a good player maybe even great but he sucks as an administrator. I think Kalu is such a selfish individual. Look at the COSAFA Saga. So gentlemen let us be more serious and look behi
and seriously look at the type of person he is and what he has achieved as an administrator and not live in his past glory as a football player.
GO ZAMBIA GO
Am not happy about misssng Tina, Mbesuma for zambia, mulonga his made a mistake. let great kalu take over.I was born in zambia,back in angola but i support chipolopolo guys. Go zambia goooooooo
Zambians Guys are going to make it to the finals go guys go.send me latest news guys form zambia