Former Zambia national team forward Christopher Katongo has revealed his dream of one day coaching the Chipolopolo.
Katongo, who famously captained the national team to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations title, is currently serving as an assistant coach at Nkana Football Club.
Since retiring from professional football, Katongo has transitioned into coaching and fitness training, beginning at Green Buffaloes before moving to Ndola to join Forest Rangers. He has also worked with the Zambia under-23 national team.
In an interview with CAFOnline, Katongo shared his ambitions to lead the senior national team in the future.
“I want to take on a role at the Zambian FA—and maybe one day, coach the national team,” Katongo said.
The former skipper also expressed his interest in one day serving in an administrative capacity at the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).
In addition, Katongo reflected on his experiences playing alongside his younger brother, Felix Katongo, with whom he shared the national team for over a decade.
He described winning the Africa Cup with Felix as an “indescribable pride.”
“An indescribable pride – Zambia has always had siblings in its national team – the Lota brothers, the Bwalya brothers… We continued that tradition,” Katongo stated.
Katongo continued, “I remember doing everything I could to help him fit in. Our team had a family spirit, so it was easier. I was proud when he joined the national team in 2004, a year after me.
“Especially our father—may he rest in peace. He saw his dreams come true through us. It was a source of great pride for the whole family. The downside is that when your brother makes a mistake, you feel even more pressure. But I was lucky—he also gave me some great assists. I remember one against Ghana in the first match at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium during 2014 World Cup qualifying.”
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