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| Sports |
| Kanyenda changes tune on Flames |
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by
Garry Chirwa, 23 November 2004
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11:23:20
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Flames’ Russian-based hitman Essau Kanyenda arrived back home at the weekend for Christmas holiday with a timely festive season gift for the soccer fraternity—he has changed his tune on his earlier stance to quit the national soccer team.
Kanyenda made a startling announcement a couple of months ago that he would quit the Flames due to adverse press reports and criticism from a section of the soccer fraternity, but his manager Ben Chiwaya said his client has changed his mind following a meeting he had with him on Sunday.
“I had a lengthy talk with him immediately after his arrival and I told him that as a star plying his trade overseas, he should expect criticism from the media and the fans if things are not working out.
“I gave him a good example of big-name players like David Beckham, Ronaldo and Thierry Henry who are fiercely criticised by the media whenever things don’t go their way,” said Chiwaya.
He said Kanyenda, who has regained his rich vein of form with his Russian top league side Rostov, was very understanding and assured that he would make a U-turn on the issue.
The player himself confirmed in a separate interview from Mponela where he is preparing for his wedding with fiancee Queen Chibwana on December 4, that he had indeed changed his mind.
“That is all water under the bridge, I gave the issue a huge amount of thought and I am happy to say I will continue to play for my country,” said the robust striker.
Meanwhile Kanyenda enjoyed one of his best seasons since joining the Russian outfit and has been awarded US $2,000 for finishing as the club’s top scorer with 12 goals.
“I enjoyed the season quite a lot and banged in 11 league goals as well as a single cup goal. It was a wonderful season for me though we finished 12th out of 16 teams.
“Scoring 11 of Rostov’s 28 league goals was a big achievement for me and I contributed a lot in our quest to escape relegation,” said the prolific forward whose contract expires next year.
“Rostov have already offered an extension of my contract but I have communicated to the club’s president that we will discuss the matter after my holiday. For now I just want to prepare for my wedding and then have a good rest,” he said.
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