SHANGHAI — Zambian national team captain Chris Katongo has said he is ready to play in the Chinese National First Division after his club Henan Jienye was relegated at the end of last season.
— Reuters
Katongo, who has 10 months left on his contract, said that he wants to honour the contract at Henan. He said he is not in a hurry to leave the club because he has contractual obligations to fulfil.
“We were demoted, but I am still going back to China. I am going back to the same club. I have only 10 months left to finish my contract. Really I don’t mind playing in the first division,” Katongo said.
Katongo and fellow Chipolopolo midfielder Isaac Chansa play for Jienye. The Chinese club bought off his contract from Greek side Skoda Xanthi in 2011. Katongo will be a free agent when his contract ends at the end of this year.
“It’s just months left and I am not in a hurry to move,” he said.
James Chamanga is another Zambian player plying his trade in China. Katongo, who sat on the bench in Zambia’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations last group match against Burkina Faso, reiterated that he will feature for the national team as long as his services are required.
After being overlooked for the match against Burkina Faso, Katongo was reported to have quit playing for the national team, but he refuted claims, saying he is still the Chipolopolo captain.
