Coach Wedson Nyirenda praised James Chamanga for his role in transforming Red Arrows into a competitive team.
After a successful spell at Nkoloma Stadium, the former Chipolopolo striker retired from active football last weekend after making his final appearance for the Airmen, whom he joined in 2019.
Chamanga helped Red Arrows to two MTN Super League titles and one Absa Cup. He was also a member of the squad that achieved victory in the historic CECAFA-Kagame Cup.
On Wednesday, the veteran striker presented Zambia’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) head coach with jerseys that he wore in the just ended.
During the presentation, Nyirenda emphasized Chamanga’s significant contribution to Red Arrows’ competitiveness.
“Chamanga Brought A Winning Mentality”- Wada Wada
Nyirenda highlighted that the 2012 Africa Cup winner, Chamanga, brought leadership to the Arrows’ change room. Additionally, he brought a winning mentality, a key attribute in Chisi Mbewe’s side, which secured two league titles within four years.
“James went to a place where he was earning a lot of money. But when he came back, he wore the shirt of a Zambian club, started playing for Arrows. He did exploits for Arrows,” Nyirenda said.
“I think if people remember very well, because we are not very good at documenting. Arrows was in the doldrums when this guy joined, the coach Chisi saw something he needed leadership, he brought in James, and from that time the graph of Arrows has been climbing up to now.”
Nyirenda also called on upcoming players emulate Chamanga’s humiliate, resilience and desire to achieve.
“The biggest problem that we are having now is the low satisfaction level of our players. When he plays six games, okay, everyone is on him, shouting the name then that’s all somebody becomes – big – and even the coaches are too small to them. Don’t talk about winning a cup. Some players winning a cup, that’s all.”
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