THERE’S JUJU IN FOOTBALL – LUNGU

By Fulman Mukobeko

Former football star Isaac Lungu has admitted that “juju” (witchcraft powers) exists in football not only in Zambia but worldwide.

Speaking in an interview with The Scoop, Lungu, who plyed his trade for Power Dynamos under the tutelage of Ben Bamfuchile, claimed that some footballers go to sangomas to seek power.

He, however, said juju in football was a personal issue and not everyone was practicing it.

“Juju in football is there, but it is a personal issue. If you have juju, it is your juju, but as for me, I played football without juju,” he said.

When asked whether he was not using money and power to maintain his position, Lungu responded in the negative. “Not really, when I got into the premier league, I had a good coach in Ben Bamfuchile who used to feature us on merit. If you were good and trained, Bamfuchile had no issues featuring you,” he said.

He, however, mentioned that some coaches in his time were corrupt and demanded a cut from players. Asked to name them, he adamantly refused.

“I cannot divulge their names, but they were doing that,” he said.

Lungu also stated that there is a need for the Chipolopolo technical bench to blend young players with experienced stars if Zambia was to excel in football.

He said Zambia cannot win a major trophy with only young players.

During his career, Lungu played for Nkana Football Club, Power Dynamos, City of Lusaka, Forest Rangers, Celtic, Kalulushi Stars as well as the National Team. Lungu, however, was dropped from the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations despite notching double digits for Power in the same year.