OPEN LETTER TO ZANACO EXCO
Dear Zanaco Exco
I think you are ready for the 2018 season and to be honest if there is a season that you prepared very well in recent years is the 2018 season.
Very different from the way you approached the 2017 season when all of us were up in arms with the way you had handled players. We said the exodus was going to affect your team but Numba showed why a lot think he is the best coach in this league.
After a series of disappointing results in the CAF competition I think lessons have been learnt and I believe you know what you want hence what we see in this team you have announced and submitted to CAF.
I know it has been a tough time for you and the team in CAF in the past were we saw things go from bad to worse especially the failure for you to progress in the CAF Champions League . But the 2017 experience am sure gave you some experience of how sweet that competition is.
Let me state that I have absolute and total faith in you, of course it’s because of the way you have approached the 2018 season.
After the exit of more than 10 players after the 2016 season, it’s inspiring that you still looked strong, you had a fairly strong team, possessing a much deeper squad than what most of us thought. This you need to be commended.
Unlike last season, when your irresistible attack overshadowed your shaky defence, every department looked to have been working as a team and your signing for 2018 show exactly what you are looking for. It’s like getting back to 2006 to have a striker who is able to bring more than 20 goals for sensational to move forward. This is good.
I have a concern on the defence and wondering why
a think-tank in Numba didn’t buy a top custodian at the back even after signs of Ziyo and George showing the signs of losing their pace.
I hope this won’t backfire and undo the best you have done so far. I think Numba has gone for goals and not the rear, he is the coach and the hope is that this works out.
On paper, the signings of Petroipa, Chavda Maisha Guily Manziba and many more looks fantastic; adding much needed depth and steel to the midfield and attack. But, Ziyo and George need more help at that centre of defence in playing week in, week out. Didi Kitumbo , Andrew Kwiliko and Peter Banda will be the back up for that defence for Zanaco and I think Numba has to start using a very good Jimmy Nakena who plays both centre back and right back to make that defence solid.
And then, there’s the case of your missing midfield. Agreed, Isaac Chansa is your best midfielder even today. But playing him every week is neither good for him nor the team. You have settled this matter well and hoping these midfielders brought will sort out that void when Isaac is off form.
The scrutiny is firmly on Numba which without a doubt each club hopes to have. He is at a wonderful place, with the backing of the best fans in the country being his support. These fans are like a nuclear family that know each other face by face and by name and rally behind their team like children from the same mother. That’s a plus for the team.
Prove your detractors wrong. Prove your fans right. With three relatively possible fronts of the league , CAF and Barclays assignments.
I have taken out the Charity Shield as I have observed from the past that this coach doesn’t respect the Charity Shield that much.
This team though has one big weakness, when you expect them to perform they refuse and get picked out. When you throw all the mud at the team they go on and shock everyone even shocking themselves.
You have done well in this transfer window and believe me a lot of hope for the first time lies on you in CAF. It’s a season after a long time fans in the country are putting you above anyone else. that’s a surprise.
The EXCO has given Numba everything he needs and these are times coaches become suspects, if he fails with this armoury he has, I won’t be surprised if some fans start questioning the coach.
Am expecting cracking afternoons at Sunset stadium and good days of Africa football at Heroes stadium on the radar, the time is now. Let’s go.
You are Sensational…..
Bwezani Mbewe,
Follower of the Zambian game!!!!!