By Mike Mubanga
I am shocked at the way Zambians have reacted over the early ejection of the Shepolopolo at the 2014 Costa Rica Under-17 FIFA Women's World Cup.
It is shocking because it is like fans expected the young Shepolopolo to win the World Cup when infact, that expectation was far from reality.
For me, when Zambia thrashed South Africa 6-4 on aggregate to book a ticket to the fifth edition of the U-17 World Cup, I thought that was the World Cup itself.
And so when they were placed in Group A alongside hosts Costa Rica, debutants Italy and silent punishers Venezuela, it was already known that the Albert Kachinga side was going to be taught football.
Ask Ghana, Ask Nigeria how tough it were for them when they made their respective debuts to the competition, it was not easy. And so what made you think Zambia was going to shine?
In expecting a lot from a young ambitious Shepolopolo squad, you put unnecessary pressure on them, it was like you wanted the girls to build a five storey house with one pocket of cement. Absurd.
Forget the lack of experience factor and let's face it; Zambia was never going to beat Italy, Zambia was never going to beat Venezuela.
There are a lot of factors that were supposed considered when preparing the girls for the World Cup, and as the fact was and still is, the factors were not seriously considered.
I would not want to go into details but factors such as early camping, motivation, and psychological preparations among others were not taken seriously.
Have you forgotten how USA Visa hitches and late payments of qualification winning bonuses disturbed the entire technical bench and the players?
Coming to the games, the 2-0 loss to Italy was decent, but the 4-0 loss to Venezuela was expected.
The Shepolopolo gave too much respect to their opponents, did not dig deeper, were in crucial times caught napping in defence, the tactics just did not work and the non-effective use of the wings haunted the southern African ambassodors.
This was contrary to their opponents who effectively accounted themselves well.
Mind you, when the Shepolopolo key players like Ireen Lungu (who was embarrassingly dropped as captain in the game against Venezuela) did not turn up, her fellow players gave up quickly.
Jane Mubanga and Grace Chanda were stuck in their roles as strikers, probably they were told to stay put but that did not work, and you are still surprised that Zambia scored no goals in two games?
Communication between the promising goalkeeper Hazel Nali and the back four was outside coverage area, and you are still suprised that Zambia conceded six goals in two games?
And please, spare Grace Chanda for missing that eighth minute sitter against Venezuela, even if she had scored that one, it was still going to be an uphill battle for Zambia.
I believe Zambia has learnt a lot than it has given at the tournament.
It's now time to go back to the drawing board, put the Under-17 house in order and look forward to qualifying to the next competition.
Adios!
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