One of the highlights of his career, according to former Zambian striker Given Singuluma, was participating in two FIFA Club World Cup competitions.
Singuluma, who played in the 2010 and 2015 tournaments, won the CAF Champions League three times with TP Mazembe. He participated in the 2010 tournament final, which pitted Inter Milan against the DR Congo’s giants.
Inter Milan won their first FIFA Club World Cup under Jose Mourinho’s leadership, 3-0, thanks to goals from Jonathan Biabiany, Samuel Eto’o, and Goran Pandev.
Singuluma said in an interview with Bola News that he was proud to represent the continent in the event on a global scale.
“It was a great feeling to represent Africa, to play for TP Mazembe at the 2010 Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi, and to reach the final and play the European champions at the time, Inter Milan of Italy, was an unforgettable experience, because in 2009, after winning the Champions League, I didn’t travel to play in the Club World Cup due to indiscipline, so I was left out, but my first in 2010 was fantastic,” he stated.
“My Life Changed After Playing Inter Milan” – Singuluma.
Given the caliber of Mourinho’s treble-winning team, Singuluma says playing in the final was a teaching moment despite the loss to Inter Milan.
“My life changed in a great way after playing Inter Milan, considering the quality of the Italian side; in goal they had the Brazilian Júlio César; in defence, Maicon, Lucio, Chivu and Cordoba; in midfield, Zanetti, Thiago Motta and Cambiasso; and up front, Pandev, Militao and Samuel Eto’o. We lost 3-0, but we learnt a lot from that game,” Singuluma said.
Singuluma stressed the significance of tactical and technical preparedness for the clubs competing in the international competition, anticipating the enlarged event with four African teams.
“I feel African teams need to pay attention to details, especially analyzing the opponents and capitalizing on their mistakes. Top teams strategically plan and prepare for training, anticipate the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses, and determine the best system to defeat them; as a consequence, they win the Cup“
In order for the players to succeed at the greatest level, he also urged them to practice self-control and diligence.
“Players who want to aspire to play at the highest level should work hard and be disciplined because these two things work hand in hand;” he concluded.
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