Collins Mbesuma’s Callies coaching appointment hailed

Ex-SuperSport United and Wits forward Noah Chivuta is delighted to hear that former Kaizer Chiefs star Collins Mbesuma has been appointed a coach in South Africa.

A fortnight ago, South African second-tier side Pretoria Callies appointed Mbesuma as their strikers’ trainer.

Chivuta described his fellow 2012 AFCON winner’s appointment as a big step forward for Mbesuma.

“For the management to put trust in him, it means he has shown a maturity that he can lead the team to greater heights,” Chivuta said.

“We wish him well and hope he will start on a good note. This will define his career in the future.

‘COLLINS MBESUMA CAN LEAD’

“Ido not doubt that he can lead teams. He is a team player; he is the type of player who believes in unity.

“When we were playing, even if he were left out of the team, he would be there encouraging everyone.”

On top of his appointment as strikers coach at Callies, Mbesuma also runs a football academy back in Zambia in his hometown of Luanshya that has just entered the four-tier, national, and regional leagues.

Mbesuma also runs an annual youth tournament in Luanshya under the aegis of his academy.

The ex-Chipolopolo striker won the 2004/2005 PSL Golden Boot after scoring 35 goals in all competitions for Chiefs.

Mbesuma’s exploits later took him to Europe, where he played for English club Portsmouth and Maritimo in Portugal.  

Meanwhile, other notable ex-PSL players from Zambia who are now coaches include Christopher Katongo and Kalililo Kakonje, who are Zambia U23 national team physical trainer and goalkeeper coach, respectively.

“It is good that many former players are becoming coaches; not everyone will make i,t but we need more. I feel we are even late,” Chivuta said.

“I urge those who are still active and want to be coaches one day to start earning their badges now.” 

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