As he tips Zesco United to get it….
Renowned soccer analyst and sports presenter at Radio Phoenix Puncherrello Chama has ruled out ZANACO from defending the super league in 2017. Speaking to Bwezani of Soka25east in an online interview , Punch said ZANACO don’t have the material of defending the title they won in 2016. He added that the defending champions will even struggle to finish in the top four due to the challenge being posed by other teams.
Chama has replaced ZANACO aand Power Dynamos in the top four with Buildcon and Lusaka Dynamos.
“Zanaco don’t have a team to take them to the top. The squad is small. They will be at a disadvantage when Faz calls for players on non fifa days and will lose a lot of players. Now if you critically analyse Buildcon in their squads , they won’t have these challenges and will do better during these periods.” said Chama.
Asked which team he thought will win the Super League , Puncherello didn’t even need a lot of time to wonder.
“Zesco United off course. They are looking good and have brought competition in key areas.They will win the league.”
Punch added that Zambia is set for the most exciting season in recent times and it will be tough season as several new contenders and many teams have upped thier game.
He adds that the indication from the Charity Shield semi finals shows that Power Dynamos haven’t changed much and the club’s transfer policy is costing the club. He goes on to say the Kitwe Giants would have been challengers 5 years ago with such a squad but not anymore. He has concluded that the quality of some players is questionable.
Asked as to why he had a lot of hope on Lusaka Dynamos and Buildcon finishing in the top four Punch elaborated as follows:
“Bwezani, the two teams are getting extremely organised. For Power and Zanaco, unfortunately they have slipped under these two clubs. What may cost Lusaka Dynamos is the goalkeeping department. For Buildcon they have signed Makwatta but unfortunately he will only be able to play in June. So that’s a challenge. Other than that the two teams have too much quality. Though they should stay humble. A top 4 finish is thiers to lose.”
Puncherello Chama who is believed to have admiration for foreign based players has hinted that the challenge teams like Red Arrows will face in the league is none engagement of foreign based players and goes on to say they will push for top four but the feet will be difficult to achieve. He however says they will fight with Power Dynamos and ZANACO for a top six positions.
“Power and Zanaco are still good for a Top 6 finish but both Napsa and Red Arrows will push them. Napsa have done well in terms of whom they have gotten. I would like to see Napsa as a club with the potential to be another Zesco but I think they still lack the management to achieve that goal. Red Arrows will push but the fact that they only look within Zambia for players means that they have a smaller pool of talent to draw from and they cant challenge for a top 4 but will manage a Top 8 place.”
On the relegation chop board Punch has placed Konkola Blades , Lumwana Radiant, Nakambala Leopards and City of Lusaka .
He also has advice for the Football Association of Zambia:
“There is need for FAZ to sit and address many issues involving the league. As things stand there is harmony simply because the majority of clubs are either run by companies which work closely with government or are owned by government parastatals. With more people entering football who are putting thier own hard earned cash some of the issues that have never been dealt with could blow up.”
He concludes
“We are in for a great season. People should put on thier seat belts.”
Great pleasure talking to you Punch and I know you will have great works as usual this season. All the best!!!
The season kicks off on 8th April 2017.
