NOTHING beats the intriguing swirl of the transfer rumours and facts when the off-season comes in December.
Player movement characterises the better part of December into March when the soccer season kicks-off with most focus placed on the type and quality of teams competing in the Orange CAF Inter-club championships attract.
Zambia will next year be represented by champions Nkana and runners up Zesco United in the African Champions League and Confederations Cup that gets underway in February next year
The calibre of players the two sides will bring in to strengthen their sides will also matter a lot in trying to win the continental title.
I have followed this December with enthusiasm after Nkana claimed a record 12th league title, ending an agonising 11-year hiatus from continental football.
This was after defying all odds to win the league title amid concerns on whether the players had what it took to stay focused and clinch the title.
That was done but still questions continue to be asked on their ability to cope with continental competition.
Nkana’s success this season has left the good, the bad and brave all jostling to be part of the Kitwe side bandwagon.
However, I am a bit worried about the quality of acquisitions made by Nkana although the gamble to sign striker Shadreck Musonda from Kalulushi Modern Stars, still looks inspiring and should bring some interesting dimension to the team’s attack next season.
It is also disappointing to see that Nkana have failed to attract a high profile Chipolopolo player which could have done their status some good.
One name in particular is Nkana’s failure to snatch exciting Chipolopolo and Red Arrows, midfielder Bruce Musakanya and instead took the easy route to Power Dynamos.
While the decision to recruit players entirely lies with the club, I feel the club should have done much to strength their side and avoid the current trend of Zambian teams exiting these CAF competitions in the first round.
Wishing you all a prosperous 2014 sporting year.
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