Champions of Africa

It is a very good time to be in Zambia. The mood and atmosphere around the country feels even friendlier and happier than usual and all because Zambia beat the Ivory Coast late last night in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. The game went to penalties and the less well known Zambian players held their nerve to win. For hours after the game the streets of Lusaka thronged with smiley, happy, flag waving people – high on the victory and more than likely after a few drinks as well. The noise of the vuvuzelas did not stop all night, nor did the honking of car horns, and both could still be heard in the morning. The day after people were still wearing their football shirts and cars were adorned with flags and chitenges showing the national colours. I doubt much work was done as people chatted about the night before and where they were, watched the highlights and reports on the game, and also remained glued to the TV waiting to find out when the nation’s new heroes would be returning home. Zambia is now on the map and in peoples’ minds for all the right reasons – everyone is happy and proud.

Back in the old routine

On Saturday the Zambian Premier League season kicked off and I saw my first match watching Choma Green Eagles player the Power Dynamos. The season here runs from March until December with 16 teams. Choma are a military team, whilst Power are owned by one of the energy companies in the Copperbelt area. I was supporting Choma as over the last few days I have got to know the team whilst they were all staying at the same guest house as me in Mazabuka. They were friendly and an extremely polite bunch, who even gave me a lift to and from the stadium. Choma was the home team and only playing in Mazabuka because their home ground is currently flooded and a bridge on route to the stadium has also collapsed due to the recent deluge of wet weather in the Southern province.

The pitch was hard and bumpy on a hot hot afternoon. There was a small splattering of a crowd with the 'posh seats' consisting of concrete blocks for maybe around 50 fans. Both sets of fans sat together with plenty of good humour and banter during the game. The match ended 1-1 and was a typical game of two halves. Choma took the lead in the first minute through a corner and had the better of the first half. They tired after the break, Power started dominating and equalised sometime around the 70th minute. It was enjoyable but I am missing my Watford, especially as our form is so poor at the moment.