Despite lighting up the Zambian Super League with exceptional goalscoring feats, Nkwazi FC midfielder Innocent Kashita was omitted from the provisional Chipolopolo squad for the 2024 CHAN.
The playmaker shared some thoughts on his top-notch performances this term and the Copper Bullets snub in an exclusive interview with BolaNews.
Kashita was on the books of Trident FC last season, joining them on a two-year loan deal from FAZ Lusaka Division One side Police College FC. His time in Kalumbila, however, did not turn out to be as fruitful as he would have hoped for, as Trident suffered relegation from the topflight while he failed to register a single goal.
For the second campaign in a row, the midfielder endured demotion from the Zambian Super League, experiencing the drop with Chambishi in 2022-23.
Reacting to the setback, Kashita told BolaNews exclusively, “It gives you that awkward feeling. It leaves you with so much to desire. Like maybe you are not pushing enough, maybe it wasn’t meant to be or the time isn’t right for you to play in the [Zambian] Super League.”
“But those are the setbacks that make a man strong. Champions are made from how one rises from such occasions,” he added.
Kashita, 25, terminated his contract with Trident after the 2023-24 season and was signed permanently by Lusaka-based outfit Nkwazi.
Since moving to Edwin Imboela, he has been a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the park.
“One Day, I Will Be Called”—Kashita.
Despite missing the first five games of the 2024-25 season, Kashita is only three goals behind the leading goalscorer in the Zambian topflight, returning seven goals in only 14 matches.
“It’s been a good run. The head coach has played a big role in getting the best out of me. I try to repay the faith and trust that the technical bench is putting in me,” said Kashita about his recent form.
The midfielder insisted, “Goals don’t matter to me. At the end of the day, what matters is the team’s performance.”
At the beginning of the month, Wedson Nyirenda unveiled his 30-member provisional squad for the 2024 CHAN, and Kashita was one of the surprising omissions.
Speaking about the snub, the playmaker admitted, “As a player, even if you are left out, it should not drain you of your morale. The only thing I have in mind is to perform well and just try to enjoy the game. When that time comes [to play for the Chipolopolo], you just have to be ready.”
“I know, by God’s grace, one day I will be called,” aspired Kashita.
Wedson Nyirenda has revealed that he will not hesitate to make changes to the provisional squad as the 2024 CHAN, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, was postponed from February to August of this year.
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