‘Kawilo’ calls for reversal of Chintu’s appointment

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Chintu Kapamba
Chintu Kapamba

VETERAN coach Benjamin ‘Kawilo’ Chilongo has implored the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to reverse the appointment of Kampamba Chintu as national soccer team assistant coach.
But Mufulira-based coach Damiano Mutale says there is nothing wrong with the appointment of retired Chipolopolo defender Chintu.
Chilongo said in an interview in Luanshya yesterday that the appointment of Chintuhas exposed FAZ’s insincerity on its stance that local coaches are not yet ripe to drill the national team.
He described Chintu as a novice in coaching.
Chilongo said the double standards FAZ is exhibiting should not be tolerated.
“The appointment of Chintu is an insult by FAZ to senior coaches. It is also in conflict with FAZ president’s recent statement that local coaches should upgrade their coaching qualifications if they are to be considered to coach the senior national team.
“This kind of double standards should not entertained. Where has Chintu coached for FAZ to appoint him as assistant coach for our senior national team? There are so many qualified coaches FAZ should have considered before settling for Chintu,” said Chilongo, who has tutored Prison Leopards, Roan United, Nkana and National Assembly, among others.
Chintu, a 2012 Africa Cup winner, was appointed Super Division Kabwe Warriors player-coach last October.
And Mutale said FAZ did not flout any rules in making Chintu part of the senior and under-23 national teams technical benches.
“What is wrong with Chintu being assistant coach for the two teams? There is a policy that allows that and we cannot see any problem,” he said.
Mutale, who is also the director for Damiano Academy, said all Chintu needs is support and encouragement not the ridicule he is receiving from some sectors of the football fraternity.
Last week, Minister of Youth and Sport Chishimba Kambwili nodded the appointment of Chintu.
Mutale said those against Chintu’s appointment merely want to create confusion and appealed to the football fraternity to support the programmes FAZ has put in place.
“Everybody is entitled to their own opinion but let’s argue with points not just for the sake of it. We have to learn to give credit where it is due. On Chintu, I see no reason why people should even debate. There is absolutely nothing wrong in him being assistant coach,” he said.
Mutale said it is unfair that some people just want to attack the FAZ unnecessarily and the appointment of Chintu should not be used as a weapon to attack the association.
“All decisions made by FAZ are within the association’s jurisdiction and it is important that all stakeholders work together for the development of the game. Football will only develop with concerted efforts and not criticising every decision the FAZ executive makes,” he said.

Daily Mail

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