It is an elimination that hurts. The Zambians are still struggling to digest the non-qualification of Chipolopolo for CAN 2021. The Minister of Sports even more. But beyond the regrets, Emmanuel Mulenga is campaigning for a change of strategy.

en Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic pay in reality their early campaigns missed. For the most optimistic, their three initial defeats condemned them to an improbable feat. The most pessimistic, them, had already understood that these setbacks nullified all their chances of qualification.  “If we had not lost these matches, I think we would be in a better position to qualify,” said Sports Minister Emmanuel Mulenga.

These words alone reflect the extent of the Zambians’ disappointment. Moreover, listening to the minister speak, the Chipolopolo would not have done what was necessary to avoid such a great disillusion. “We have to treat every game with the importance it deserves, whether it’s game one or game two. We must not wait to arrive at the end to say “if we win such and such a match, we will have chances of qualifying” “, asserts Emmanuel Mulenga.

Towards a school league?

But to woe something is good. This non-qualification of the Chipolopolo could, in fact, change things. “We need to review our strategies. Our job as a department is to make sure we bring a league into the schools. From the first to the twelfth grade, students should have a league, ”  argues Mr. Mulenga. An entire program. In the meantime, the Chipolopolo will complete their qualifying campaign this Monday in Zimbabwe. And it’s much more than a match for honor.