Don’t curse them, South African clubs were right
Recent outbursts by the Flames coaching panel on South African clubs, who they recalled their players from the team’s camp for the Cosafa Castle Cup, is ample testimony that we are a nation that is desperate for results unlike our counterparts who believe in using the tournament for players’ development.
Instead of taking the opportunity to expose up-and-coming players, desperate Flames coaches vented their anger and frustration on South African clubs without an iota of shame.
Of course the coaching panel is unhappy because its plan to feature a strong team at the tournament has miserably flopped.
It is a fact that the Cosafa tournament is not recognised by Fifa and it is common knowledge that clubs are supposed to release their players only for games sanctioned by Fifa.
As a Fifa qualified coach, Ronny was supposed to know these simple Fifa rules. You do not even require rocket science to understand them.
It was therefore a big embarrassment for Ronny to be in the forefront cursing these South African clubs when he should be in the know.
Seriously, what would benefit Gabadinho Mhango, Limbikani Mzava and Gerald Phiri Jnr to play in the Cosafa tournament? These players are already exposed to the pressure that comes with international games.
The Flames coaching panel should concentrate on drilling the players with the right tactics instead of spending time scavenging for the so-called professional players in South Africa, players whose contribution to the national team has been questionable.
Most local soccer pundits have always emphasised that Cosafa should be treated as a developmental tournament and it is ridiculous for someone to think of featuring experienced players.
It just shows that the panel is desperate for results because they want to keep their jobs. Angola demonstrated last year when it featured an under-20 team and we need to emulate such an example.
For sure, a coach cannot be nailed for featuring a youthful team because every football loving person would want to see the development of up-and-coming players.
The coach can only be nailed if his team fails to deliver in crucial competitions such as Africa Cup of Nations or World Cup because these are not tournaments for babies.
You can stand on top of Chiwembe Technical and Development Centre building cursing and lamenting but it won’t change anything. Your core responsibility remains building a stronger national team by using such tournaments.
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