ELIZABETH CHATUVELA, Lusaka
CHINA-based striker Jacob Mulenga is upbeat of playing for the national team in future.
Mulenga was left out of the Chipolopolo squad that was eliminated in the first round at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.
The 31-year-old, who plays for Chinese Super League outfit Shijiazhuang Yongchan, told BBC Sport that his international career is not yet over.
He, however, said selection of players for the national team has puzzled him at times.
“At times, understanding the selection of players has left me a bit baffled and left me perplexed to a certain extent. But I have been wise enough to understand every coach has his own idea of football, so he wants what he sees fit in his idea. So you have to respect that.
“Being a professional is about respecting the coaches’ decision. So when it’s the right moment, it shall be known,” Mulenga said.
The former Afrisport forward said also investing in youth football is crucial.
“We all wish to have young Zambians in top leagues but the reality is our foundations in football are not so strong hence the process and learning stage of football is acquired at a much later stage compared to other players in more advanced leagues.
“Zambia has an abundance of talent but it’s rough diamonds. Investment in the youth from a very young age is vital,” he said.
He urged other African footballers to consider a move to China.
Mulenga featured in France, Netherlands and Turkey before trekking to China.
And Mulenga on Saturday scored his second goal in the Chinese Super League after inspiring Shijiazhuang Yongchang to victory over Tianjin Tedia, VICTOR KUWMENDA reports.
Yongchang edged Tianjin Tedia 4-3 at Shijiazhuang’s Yutong International Sports Centre.
Mulenga netted the second goal on the hour mark to put his side ahead and his third in six appearances.
He was later substituted for Chinese international Wang Peng.
Li Chao, Bulgaria midfielder Georgi Illiev and substitute Huang Feng Tao were the other scorers.
Yongchang have eight points, six behind leaders Shanghai SIPG, and five adrift of Shanghai Shenhua.