By SHAMAOMA MUSONDA
in Kigali –
CHRISTOPHER Katongo says it hurts to miss a penalty but that it happens even to the best of players.
Katongo was one of the three Chipolopolo players who missed their penalty kicks during the quarterfinal match against Guinea on Sunday night as Zambia got eliminated from the ongoing Rwanda 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after losing 4-5.
He said in an interview that it really hurt him but that this was one thing players would have to experience in their careers adding that even the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo do miss and that he was not an exception.
Katongo said with Zambia’s participation ended, it was time for him to go and play outside the country and quickly added that his future appearance would be largely dependent on the coach’s decision.
He revealed that he delayed signing a contract with a foreign club weeks earlier so that he could be eligible to play at the CHAN.
Katongo refused to confirm the club involved in the deal but also could not deny that he is headed to Angolan side Kabuscorp FC, who were last month reported to have offered the Zambian forward a monthly salary of US$30, 000.
“It’s a sacrifice I made for my country. I could have signed and gone and miss the CHAN but I wanted to do something for my country and I think it has been a worthwhile decision and playing four games here for my country has been great,” he said.
He said his handlers will make an official announcement of his move and that he was definitely sure he will not play for Green Buffaloes this season but a foreign club.
At the same CHAN, Uganda leading player Faruku Miya announced he had signed for Belgian side Standard Liege with his contract timed to make him eligible for CHAN and also beat the international transfer window deadline.
Katongo and his handlers may have played the same trick, an issue which was not done for former Zesco United forward Winston Kalengo.
On the upcoming Gabon 2017 Africa Cup and Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers slated for later this year, Katongo said he would be thrilled to be part of the games but was quick to state that his inclusion in the team was an issue solely dependent on the national coach.
“I would want to be part of the team but it’s the coach’s duty to decide that. Coaches know the players better and depending on what the coach has seen in what I have done here, maybe I can be included but it’s not my call but for the coach,” he said.