Lusaka, Zambia, July 21: Zambia national soccer team Striker, Christopher Katongo has refuted recent media reports that linked him to newly promoted South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Chippa United.
Katongo currently with PSL side Bidvest Wits had earlier reportedly sealed a two-year deal with the newly promoted Premier Soccer League (PSL) side.
But the deal went sour when the two sides were about to put Pen to Paper after the Zambian player had allegedly demanded an increased pay against initially agreed offer.
In a latest report published Monday in Zambia online soccer magazine Zamfoot.com Katongo strongly denied involvement in the Chippa United deal saga.
“It was a lie and I wish to set the record straight. There was no truth in the reports. I did not talk to anyone there,” he said.
Katongo currently with PSL side Bidvest Wits had earlier reportedly sealed a two-year deal with the newly promoted Premier Soccer League (PSL) side.
But the deal went sour when the two sides were about to put Pen to Paper after the Zambian player had allegedly demanded an increased pay against initially agreed offer.
In a latest report published Monday in Zambia online soccer magazine Zamfoot.com Katongo strongly denied involvement in the Chippa United deal saga.
“It was a lie and I wish to set the record straight. There was no truth in the reports. I did not talk to anyone there,” he said.
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However, he confirmed reports that his handler had held discussion with South Africa soccer giants Orlando Pirates who earlier showed interest to get his signature.
This happened following the expiry of his short term deal with Golden Arrows the team that lost relegation battle from PSL to National First Division in 2013/14 season.
“I am however aware of interest from Pirates but they spoke to my agent,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with Wits deal because it was influenced by Coach Gavin Hunt not club administration.
Describing the arrangement as good, saying it creates a sense of understanding and smooth working relationship between the player and the coach.
“It is good that I was recruited by the coach. He knows what he expects of me and I will be hearing from him regarding that,” he said.
Katongo made his appearance in South Africa Premier Soccer League midway last season when he signed a short term deal with relegated Golden Arrows.
His request to demand for a revised pay followed his excellent performance in an international friendly match against Japan early last month in which he netted one of Zambia’s goals.
But the match ended in favour of the Asian soccer giants who downed Zambia 3-4.
The move immediately ignited a storm of protest from the club’s chief executive officer, Peter Koutroulis who rejected the request in strongest terms.
“But because the boy scored that goal against Japan his manager phoned us and asked for more money. I’m very upset with this thing. I told him we don’t give anyone anything extra. You agree with this offer and if not tough luck,” Koutroulis charged.
This happened following the expiry of his short term deal with Golden Arrows the team that lost relegation battle from PSL to National First Division in 2013/14 season.
“I am however aware of interest from Pirates but they spoke to my agent,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with Wits deal because it was influenced by Coach Gavin Hunt not club administration.
Describing the arrangement as good, saying it creates a sense of understanding and smooth working relationship between the player and the coach.
“It is good that I was recruited by the coach. He knows what he expects of me and I will be hearing from him regarding that,” he said.
Katongo made his appearance in South Africa Premier Soccer League midway last season when he signed a short term deal with relegated Golden Arrows.
His request to demand for a revised pay followed his excellent performance in an international friendly match against Japan early last month in which he netted one of Zambia’s goals.
But the match ended in favour of the Asian soccer giants who downed Zambia 3-4.
The move immediately ignited a storm of protest from the club’s chief executive officer, Peter Koutroulis who rejected the request in strongest terms.
“But because the boy scored that goal against Japan his manager phoned us and asked for more money. I’m very upset with this thing. I told him we don’t give anyone anything extra. You agree with this offer and if not tough luck,” Koutroulis charged.
By:Joel Chirwa
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