By Martin Nkhoma
Football Administrator Simataa Simataa says Augustine Okocha’s advice to Zambian players to seek greener pastures in Europe is timely.
Okocha, a former Nigerian International Footballer with club careers at European giants Paris St German, Bolton Wonderers among others, said it was time for Zambian players to take up new challenges in Europe.
He said playing for European clubs will bring a trickledown effect on the national team of the country.
Simataa supports Okocha’s opinion and suggested that Zambian players needed to take up new challenges and should continue working hard to attract attention from European Clubs.
“Zambian players must strive to get European opportunities, because there is a huge difference between African and European leagues in many respects,” Simataa said.
Simataa however cautioned players to be careful in accepting European offers as they may end up at clubs that may not use them or embrace them.
“There is need for European experience in terms of playing football and not just change of environment,” he said.
And Simataa wished former Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) communication officer Eric Mwanza well on his appointment at Confederation of African Football (CAF).
He said Erick Mwanza’s contribution to Zambian football cannot be questioned especially in the area of club licensing.
‘’There comes a time when as a person you need to make an adjustment in your life, Eric was just an employee at FAZ just like others who are still working there,’’ he said.
Simataa however cautioned people not to scandalize Mwanza’s resignation from FAZ as it was normal for people to seek greener pastures.
