‘MWEENE A LEGEND IN EVERY SENSE’

MUKWIMA CHILALA writes @SunZambian KENNEDY Mweene is a legend in every sense and he heads towards his twilight, it’s only fair that he is recognised as such, says Chipolopolo Soccer Fans chairman Yotham Mwanza. And Mwanza welcomed Chipolopolo coach Micho’s sentiment that Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) winner and long serving goalkeeper be honoured. Mwanza, however, noted that Zambia still needed Mweene as the long standing goalkeeper still had the valuable experience he could offer. He noted that the decision to retire the goalkeeper was dependant on his himself as a player. The soccer fans chairman however cautioned the Chipolopolo coach in trying to retire Mweene saying that a phased retirement would be ideal. “It’s welcome news coming from the Zambian gaffer, Micho, that the keeper should honoured. As to whether now is the time for him to go, is dependent on himself. My take is Zambia still needs him to try and help those that are coming to the squad now,” Mwanza said. The experience Mweene has is still valuable, which could be impacted to the upstarts. My take is the coach must tread carefully on trying to retire Kennedy. A phased retirement would be ideal. Mwanza further said that 2017 under 20 winning team was a team for the future that could qualify Zambia to the World Cup. “Yes, the 2017 squad should be the future now. But experience is valuable, a gradual phasing out would be better than wholesome overhaul,” he said. The older players must be able to pass on the baton in an orderly manner so as not to leave a vacuum. That way the coach will have experience blending in with youngsters. That should be the natural order. He noted phasing out all the experienced players and preference of the younger ones would be suicidal especially during the Africa and World cup qualifiers. Chipolopolo coach Micho was recently quoted saying that there was need to make decisive decisions in team selection which needed to leave out some old players.