Under-fire Zambia Captain Katongo Vows To Play On Despite World Cup Fears

Striker Christopher Katongo vows to play on for Zambia despite calls for his axing

Striker Christopher Katongo vows to play on for Zambia despite their disappointing early exit and failure to defend their title.

He made the vow even though many Chipolopolo fans are calling for his axing claiming his presence could affect their chance when they face talent-laden Ghana in the World Cup qualifiers later this year.

Katongo has been under-fire after Zambia’s disappointing 2013 Africa Cup campaign in South Africa where they failed to advance from the group stage.

“When we won the Africa Cup, I was a hero. Even when we are eliminated early from the tournament, it is my burden as captain to be pointed fingers at,” Katongo told the Zambia Daily Mail.

“I know the coach has his own role but I am the captain on the pitch and I should take the blame as captain.”

Katongo has turned from hero to zero back in Zambia after also failing to score a single goal in the two games he played.

Coach Herve Renard altogether dropped him from Zambia’s crucial final Group C game against Burkina Faso on January 29.

That match ended scoreless and confirmed Chipolopolo’s Africa exit after finishing third on three points, two less that Burkina Faso and Nigeria who both advanced to the last eight.

“I want to be among the Zambians who want to be successful,” Katongo said.

“I have to be there in bad and good moments.”