After our final 2012 AFCON qualifying game against Libya at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola, there was a major change in the Zambia National Team setup. Coach Dario Bonetti was replaced by Hervé Renard.
At the time, many of us did not fully understand the decision because we had a very good qualifying campaign and had won our group. Personally, I believed it was a tactical managerial decision, especially considering that Hervé had already done well with us at the 2010 AFCON in Angola, where we reached the quarterfinals. He knew the players, understood the environment, and had valuable tournament experience.
In the end, it worked out perfectly in 2012. Zambia made history and became African champions.
But today, I want to acknowledge and appreciate some important teammates who played a huge role in helping Zambia qualify for the 2012 AFCON, yet unfortunately did not make the final winning squad in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
• Jacob Mulenga — Injured
• William Njobvu — Injured• Thomas Nyirenda — Injured
• Fwayo Tembo — Dropped
• Justin Zulu — Dropped
• Jimmy Chisenga — Dropped
• Given Singuluma — Dropped
• Rodgers Kola — Dropped
• Billy Mwanza — Dropped
• Emmanuel Mbola — Suspended after signing contracts with two different clubs simultaneously
• Salulani Phiri — Young and upcoming at the time
Such is football. Sometimes, even players who are regular starters throughout an entire qualifying campaign can miss out on the final tournament squad. Justin Zulu, for example, was one of the team’s most consistent starters during qualification, yet he did not make the final AFCON squad.
Football history should always remember and appreciate every player who contributed to that journey — not just the ones who lifted the trophy.
Respect to all of them.