PSL Could Shut Door On Zambian Players

Zambian national football coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojević has said that some clubs in the South African Premier League (PSL) are reluctant to sign Zambian players because of their bad behaviour off the pitch. 

Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, Sredojević said that while some Zambian players had been model ambassadors for their country, others risked ruining the opportunity to play in South Africa at all. 

“I need to refer also to yesterday’s (Tuesday) meeting with Orlando Pirates where there are people that have been extremely positive ambassadors of genuine Zambia and Zambians like Isaac Chansa, and others; even Augustine Mulenga. This is what Pirates presented us,” he said. “And then they told me that some people here (Zambian players) have closed the door for other Zambians for years to come. But I will not go in that direction because it is something that I’m extremely sad of and my soul is paining me.”

Micho did not specifically name which players may risk closing the door for others, however it follows accusations that Orlando Pirates forward Justin Shonga has been abusive towards women in South Africa and was sent away from the club premises last season. 

Zambian footballers have a long history of playing for South African clubs, with five strikers winning the PSL’s Golden Boot award, including former Black Leopards star Mwape Musonda, who scooped the trophy after scoring 16 goals in one season.