HAVING spent four successful years in Tunisia, former Chipolopolo striker Kenneth Malitoli has a thing or two to say on what it takes for a Zambian player to succeed in North Africa.
Of late, North Africa has not been a happy hunting ground for Zambian players and perhaps this is the reason for Clatous Chama’s move to Moroccan side RS Berkane is causing some discomfort among some fans.
This will be Chama’s second stint in that part of the continent having spent only 46 days at Egyptian side AL Ittihad Alexadria Club before leaving without even kicking a ball.
His compatriot Emmanuel Mayuka also has a story to tell about his stay at Egyptian side Zamalek.
However, Malitoli said in an interview that Zambian players have all it takes to make it up north if they embrace hard work.
Malitoli said the demands of North Africa are not different from any football environment which is dedication and hard work at all times.
“The best thing that he can do is that, just do the simple and straightforward things without trying too hard to impress or trying to do something that will impress people.”
“Just be who you are, Clatous should just be who he is and play normal football and above all he needs to work extra hard,” Malitoli said, “It will depend on how he will take his game. He needs to be on top of the game in short.”
Malitoli said he wished he had a chat with the player before he trekked to Morocco.
“This is what I wanted to say. Sometimes we need to talk…he needs to be prepared mentally, physically; he needs someone to talk to him and encourage him.”
“If you are going somewhere and you have someone who is your country man, it is not difficult to call ‘how is the situation that side how can I handle it?’
But you see, we are just talking the two of us [with the author] and maybe Clatous will not even read this [story] so that is the unfortunate part of it, but I hope the message will not end there,” he said.
After starring for Nkana between 1984 and 1992, Malitoli moved to Esperance in Tunisia where he attained cult hero status for the four years he spent at the club.
He emerged top scorer in his first season in Tunisia with 18 goals before repeating the feat the following season before becoming the first Zambian to win the Champions League in 1994 and the Super Cup the following year.
He left Esperance in 1996 to join Saudi Arabian side Al Etiffaq.
