Progress – it’s time!

FRANKLYN MALAMBO writes HARD work, brilliance and a will to succeed have all characterised their silverware littered European stay. Progress has also been in abundance. Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu’s headlining performances have lately sparked debates around how long they should stay on Red Bull Salzburg. At the height of divided opinions, I am of the view that it’s time […]

Progress – it’s time!
FRANKLYN MALAMBO writes HARD work, brilliance and a will to succeed have all characterised their silverware littered European stay. Progress has also been in abundance. Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu’s headlining performances have lately sparked debates around how long they should stay on Red Bull Salzburg. At the height of divided opinions, I am of the view that it’s time to break new ground. Salzburg’s 3-0 win over Hartberg over the weekend ensured a third successive league title for the Zambian duo. The duo has been key in the last two campaigns and more prominent in the current one which has seen Patson score; a Zambian in Europe, record 24 league goals whilst Enoch’s own returns are better than before.  Simply put, it’s been an imperious campaign. By co-efficient ranking, UEFA ranks the Austrian league for the 2019/20 campaign as 12th best thus a third grade league. They have won all that they can possibly win with Salzburg. They have reached the ceiling of what is in Austria and for the sake of personal and career development, must look elsewhere. There is need to frequently face tougher opponents, play in tougher domestic competitions and play in a tougher environment altogether. I am of the view that leagues like the French, Dutch or even Portuguese would suit their next desired step. These are leagues which top African Players have used to get to the very top. Players like Drogba, Aubameyang and Adebayor all went through such a route and established themselves at top teams and Leagues. Leagues like those offer a further step in development and are like a mirror or lesser version of the leagues we eventually want to see them in. Additionally, the pressure to perform in these leagues may not be as much as that in the Premier League or the La Liga. Granted, pressure to perform is always there for professional players but the degree varies. Crucially, second grade leagues have an assurance of playing more and for players at 22 who will be approaching peak period in the next 3-4 seasons, they would serve as best preparers for the first grade leagues. While the afore written may be the ideal destinations given the stages at which both players are, the thought of exploring the bigger leagues now is alive. England, Spain and Germany are dream destinations for any players and in this case, Patson desires Camp Nou while Enoch, Anfield as permanent abode someday. Before then, if a move to these top leagues has to be considered it must be at a club with stability. Stability in both management and results. This is usually found with mid table teams. Newly promoted sides are not ideal unless with a lot of assurances. Even worse, when one is expected to carry the team on his shoulders, the pressure can be unforgiving but depending on how one handles it, most times it has proven to be too much. Further, teams fighting for dear lives to stay in the league wouldn’t be ideal, they may not give players enough time to express themselves as they are always pressed for time. Ideally, a team that offers 50% playing time would be a good start. The fact is, in the first grade leagues, such teams are few but if in the mode of Southampton, Betis or Frankfurt came calling, consideration wouldn’t be amiss. All have turned good players to better and readied them for the top. It has to be remembered that the quality for both Patson and Enock is unquestionable and they can make it anywhere at the right time.  Physically, both are well built and have great motor qualities be it basic or complex at their. Mentally, they are strong and have proven it over and over with what they have had to conquer to get where they are. Technically, they are gifted and have in the last three years have shown advancement, the same can be said about their tactical versatility that has enabled excellent execution in different roles and positions. All are makers of top players if well managed. While our desires may vary, key in this will be their management team led by Frederick Kanoute. They have proven astute in the past and the same will be expected this time around. All key indicators suggest the boys are ready for a step up and its time they moved. After all, the best time to strike is when the iron is hot, its time. The Sun