Micho Gives Four Reasons Why Patson Daka Will Succeed in English Premier League

Patson Daka's move to English side Leicester City has sparked excitement among his fans and administrators of football across the global.

However, there are concerns by some fans if at all Daka would be able to fit into the English Premier League which is the world's most competitive and professional league.

Daka comes Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga, a league that some pundits refer to as a 'Farmers League's due to its non - competitive nature.

Most critics of Daka have been calling on him to move to a bigger club especially those in the Premier League so that he proves himself.

Not even Daka's brace against Liverpool last season in a friendly has been enough to convince his critics.

But there is one person who believes that Patson Daka will fit well at Leicester and become one of the best players in the game of football.

That person is Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic, who is the current Zambia national team coach.

According to LeicestershireLive, Micho believes that there are a quite number of factors that will help Daka fit well at Leicester City.

Among the factors outlined by Sredojevic are Brendan Rodgers’ qualities as a manager, the team’s style of play and the creative stars in the side, and the club’s African contingent.

However, Sredojevic also praised Daka’s move because of City’s ability to provide a platform for players to reach the top with other clubs, referencing Chelsea's N’Golo Kante, now a World Cup and Champions League winner, and Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez, a multiple Premier League champion and Afcon-winning captain.

City have four African internationals in the squad – Nigerian duo Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, Ghana’s Daniel Amartey, a France-born Senegal international Papy Mendy – but they also have Kolo Toure as a first-team coach, the Ivorian still regarded as one of the continent’s greatest-ever defenders after his spells with Arsenal and Manchester City.

"I believe there are four crucial elements that shows he has made the right choice in going to Leicester,” Sredojevic told the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) media.

“First, he is going to a top-class coach in Brendan Rodgers that works patiently and does very good selections. Just in the last moment they missed the Champions League."

He said Daka's style of play will fit well with that of Leicester City.

“The second element is the style of play the team has and the passers of the ball. (Youri) Tielemans, (James) Maddison, and others are very good passers to the players who want the ball in space," said Micho.“

Milutin 'Sredojevic

They are a special source of danger together with Jamie Vardy, with his runs, and I believe that style of play will fully suit his (Daka’s) game and help him excel and take him to a higher level."

The Chipolopolo gaffer also believes that the African brothwrhoob at the club will contribute to Daka's Success at the club.

“The next element is what I will call the African brotherhood. I am personal friends with Kolo Toure, and I know how hard it was for him 20 years ago to go to Arsenal, and to make a great career in England. Now he is assistant coach there. He will be the one to receive him as an African brother from the Ivory Coast," he said.

“Then there are three African players, Amartey from Ghana, and Ndidi and Iheanacho from Nigeria, that could also play an important role to help Patson adjust off the field, and help him adapt and acclimatise as soon as possible."

Micho added that Daka is most likely to go through the same path as France midfielder N'Golo Kante, Algerian striker Riyadh Mahrez who both featured for Leicester City.

“Then he can combine acclimatisation off the pitch with adjusting to the style of play and the demands of the team, because the team will 100 per cent challenge for a place in the top four of the Premier League. He will play an important role," he said.

“But it will also allow him to set the platform for jumping to the higher level. N’Golo Kante came to Leicester and reached Chelsea and won everything that is possible to win. Also we have Riyad Mahrez that went to Leicester, made his career, then went to Manchester City and won everything."

Daka yesterday made a switch to King Power stadium in Leicester after a successful transfer switch from Red Bull Salzburg which costed an estimated £23 million.

His move has become the most expensive price tag for a player from Zambia and Southern Africa.

Leicester City Confirms Patson Daka's Signing

Leicester City Football Club have confirmed the signing of Zambian striker Patson Daka who join the Club on a five-year-deal from 1 July, subject to Premier League and international clearance.

The 22-year-old Zambian international will join City from RB Salzburg where his goals helped the Austrian side to four successive league titles and a total of seven trophies in four seasons.

The striker has scored 68 times in 125 appearances for RB Salzburg in all competitions. His 27 strikes in only 28 appearances saw him finish as the Austrian Bundesliga’s top scorer last term, as well as being named the league’s Player of the Season.

Speaking to LCFC TV, Daka said: “I’m so, so excited to join this great, historic Club. It has been my dream and I’m so happy and looking forward to what’s coming next. 

“I have followed Leicester from the time they won the league. I feel it is the perfect place for me, because it’s a team that fights for titles. I know it’s not going to be easy, but I feel ready to face this new challenge.

Daka: I’m Just So Happy To Be A Fox

New Leicester City signing Patson Daka catches up with LCFC TV after agreeing terms with the Foxes.

“I will give my best for the Club each and every day, and I look forward to seeing the Leicester City fans inside the stadium soon.”

Born in Zambia, Daka spent part of his youth career with Nchanga Rangers and Kafue Celtic in his homeland before joining Austrian side Liefering on loan in 2017. 

He immediately impressed in the second tier of Austrian football and soon went on to sign a five-year deal with RB Salzburg later that year, while being allowed to continue his progress on loan with Liefering. 

Daka’s performances for RB Salzburg’s youth sides continued to catch the eye as his goal in the final of the 2017 UEFA Youth League helped the team to victory over Benfica and saw him progress to feature 12 times for the first team in the 2017/18 season.

RB Salzburg lifted the league title in that campaign, with Daka’s performances seeing his importance to the team grow - eventually going on to make a further 26 appearances the following season as the team completed a league and cup double.

"I feel it is the perfect place for me, because it’s a team that fights for titles. I know it’s not going to be easy, but I feel ready to face this new challenge.

"In 2019/20, RB Salzburg did the double once again, as the talented striker took his goal tally to 27 for the season as well as playing UEFA Champions League football, making his debut in a 6-2 win against Genk in September 2019," said Daka.

Daka’s progress continued last term with a further 34 goals in all competitions, taking his total for the last two campaigns to an incredible 61 goals in just 87 appearances, while also helping RB Salzburg complete a third league and cup double.

At international level, he has featured for his country 22 times at senior level, scoring seven goals and being named the Confederation of African Football’s Young Player of the Year in 2017.

Daka will link up with his new Leicester City team-mates in July to begin preparations for the 2021/22 Premier League season.  

Chisamba Lungu: The Ronaldinho Of Zambian Football

Chisamba Lungu is one of the most talented but yet underrated attacking midfielder in Zambia. But one thing for sure is that Lungu is a legend who has contributed so much to Zambia.

Even though many came to know him during the 2012 Africa Cup of Nation's his contribution to the nation dates back when he was part of the Under 20 national team in 2008.

Chisamba Lungu

Chisamba famously known as Chisadinho because of his playing style which resemble former Brazilian international Ronaldinho Gaucho was born on January 31, 1991 in Kafue, South of Lusaka.

He started his career at Red Lions Football Academy in Chunga under the tutelage of coach Juma around the 2000.

Chisamba also had a career with Kafue Celtic which lasted for seven years from 200 0- 2007. In 2007, Lungu joined Super League side Zanaco which only lasted for a year before he went back to Kafue Celtic in 2009.

In 2010, Chisamba moved to Georgian side Baia Zugdidi where he had 29 appearances and managed to score a goal.

His stunning performance in Georgia took him to Ural FC in Russia in 2010. Lungu joined the club in 2010 when it was in the second division.

Lungu was one of the longest players at the Russian club where he spent seven years. He had 141 appearances with seven goals to his name.

In 2017, Lungu joined Turkish side Alanyaspor. He made his debut for the club on August 25, 2017 when he was introduced as substitute for injured Isaac Sackey.

After a year, Lungu returned to Zambia to join Super League side

Nkana Survive Relegation After Being Awarded Points

Nkana Football Club

Nkana Football Club has finally survived relegation after drawing with Napsa Stars 0-0 in a match played this afternoon at Woodlands in Lusaka.

Nkana FootnFooClub

And the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has succumbed to pressure and has therefore awarded Nkana a maximum of three points.

Nkana took on Napsa Stars this afternoon but both teams could not find the net.

This result meant that Nkana who were at the verge of being relegated have survived the chopping board.

Meanwhile, the FAZ Player Status Committee has overturned the result of the Week 32 match between Young Green Eagles Football Club and Nkana Football Club after the latter lodged a protest over the home team’s alleged use an ineligible player who was serving a Red Card suspension.

In a statement released to the media, FAZ communications manager Sydney Mungala said prior to the match, FAZ secretariat had waived the suspension and instead fined Young Green Eagles K5,000.00 which the club paid.

Young Green Eagles had their eligible goalkeepers injured while another was on national duty with the Chipolopolo.

Young Green Eagles requested for a waiver and were granted to field the suspended player who sat on the bench during the fixture.

However, the Player Status Committee Chaired by Lusaka Lawyer and former FAZ Executive Committee member Lombe Mbalashi and deputised by FAZ Copperbelt Chairman and Executive Committee member Patrick Ndhlovu overturned the decision.

The committee further awarded the game to Nkana with a 3-0 score line.

According to a verdict by the Player Status Committee, the use of an ineligible player by Young Green Eagles in the match against Nkana was against the rules.

“The Player Status Committee has considered the evidence presented and rules that Nkana’s complaint has merit, and it has been accepted. The committee has made the following decision,” reads the verdict from the committee.

“That the committee has overturned the outcome of the game by directing those three (3) points be awarded to Nkana FC with a three-nil score-line.”

Young Green Eagles has been given 14 days to appeal the decision.

Kennedy Mweene Will Add Extra Motivation To The Squad At The Cosafa

Kennedy Mweene (Right) reacting after saving Didier Drogba's penalty during the 2012 Africa Cup of Nation's final played in Libreville, Gabon

The coming back of Chipolopolo legend Kennedy Mweene to the Zambian squad will be a motivation booster to youngsters.

The 36 year's old Sundown goalkeeper has had a splendid career that has seen him win several trophies with the South African club.

Mweene has also been successful with the Zambia national team and his performance of saving penalties from world class players like Didier Drogba, Gervinho, Asamoah Gyan among others ensured that Zambia won it's first Africa Cup trophy on Gabonese soil.

His coming back to the team has not only ignited hope in young players but it has also bolstered the morale of the fans who have called for the inclusion of experienced players.

Yes, others have argued that the Cosafa should have had players mainly upcoming Stars but one thing for sure is that we do not have time to experiment.

This tournament should be treated serious and should be a curtain raiser for the forth coming World Cup qualifiers in September.

Coach Micho should ensure that Zambia goes with the best squad into these matches.

We hope that Kennedy Mweene will live up to people's expectations and deliver the much needed results for the team.

Janny Sikazwe: The Most Decorated Zambian Referee

Janny Sikazwe with former Real Madrid Defender Sergio Ramos

Zambia is not only known for producing talented football players but also referees. 

Here is Janny Sikazwe, one of the most decorated and travelled Zambian referees.

He is the first Zambian referee to have officiated at the FIFA World Cup (Russia 2018).

He is also the first Zambian referee to officiate at the finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.

He is also the first Zambian referee to officiate at the AFCON finals (2017).

He has also officiated many Africa and World Cup qualifiers games in Africa.

He has also officiated many CAF Champions and Confederations Cup games.

He is also the only referee to have officiated in more ABSA Cup finals.

He has also officiated in many Cosafa Cup finals.

He has also officiated in many Zambian Super League encounters.

Do you think there is no achievement that Janny Sikazwe has not achieved in his refereeing career?

Janny Sikazwe

Photo: Janny Sikazwe with former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Read more sports stories on www.bolatabloid.blogspot.com

Leicester City Offered Patson Daka More Game Time Than Liverpool

Patson Daka

Reports have indicated that Chipolopolo forward Patson Daka snubbed offers from Liverpool and Westham in preference for Leicester City because the latter offered him more regular game time than the former.

Leicester is reported to have secured the services of the Salzburg striker at a fee of more than £27 million.

The 22 year old Zambian forward is reportedly to have penned a five year deal with Leicester City that will see him at the club up to 2026.

According to various websites, the Red Bull Salzburg striker has been offered more regular game time at Leicester City.

Patson Daka

It is this which lured Daka to move to the English Premier League side snubbing offers from Liverpool and Westham.

Daka had initial talks with Liverpool and Westham and it was expected that he would move to his favourite club at Anfield but failure to guarantee him game time made him sign for Leicester City.

Daka is a prolific striker who scored more than 34 goals for both country and club.

His stunning 27 goals made win the prestigious Austrian Bundesliga Golden Boot as well as the Player of the Season award.

Football journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Daka has undergone medicals and has finally appended his signature for the former English Premier League champions.

Many in the world believes that Patson Daka is a great competitor to Erling Haaland who is in the books of Borussia Dortmund.

Both Daka and Haaland featured for Salzburg.

Together they won the Austrian League and the Austrian Cup.