At 34 years old, Clatous Chota Chama is proving that class never fades. The Simba SC midfielder maestro, popularly known as Triple C, is currently enjoying one of the finest runs of form in his career after producing seven goals, five assists, and five consecutive Man of the Match awards in his last eight matches.
Yet despite those remarkable performances in Tanzania, uncertainty still surrounds his future with the Zambia national team ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
For many Zambian football supporters, Chama’s continued absence from Chipolopolo has now become one of the biggest debates in local football.
Triple C Producing Elite Numbers
Chama has been in sensational form for Simba SC in recent weeks, consistently deciding matches with goals, assists, and outstanding performances.
The midfielder recently scored directly from a corner kick before adding a brace in Simba SC’s victory over Mashujaa FC, further highlighting the incredible level he continues to perform at despite his age.
He has now collected five straight Man of the Match awards in games against:
- Young Africans (Yanga)
- JKT Tanzania
- Tanzania Prisons
- Mashujaa FC
- Another recent league outing for Simba SC
Beyond the awards, Chama’s influence on matches remains undeniable. His creativity, vision, leadership, and composure continue to separate him from many players currently active in the region.
Questions Over National Team Selection
Despite his club form, Chama’s return to Chipolopolo remains uncertain.
Many supporters believe the midfielder’s fallout with the national team stems from the famous “Bola na wiso” remarks, after which he struggled to regain a regular place in the squad.
The situation has reignited discussions around how football associations and technical benches manage experienced players and strong personalities.
For some fans, the bigger concern is whether merit and current form are truly being prioritised in national team selections.
Zambia Has Been Here Before
Zambian football has experienced similar situations in the past involving some of the country’s most talented players.
Many supporters still remember when legendary midfielder Rainford Kalaba missed an important World Cup qualifying match against Nigeria despite being among Africa’s most in-form players during his time at TP Mazembe.
Following disagreements with the technical bench led by Wedson Nyirenda, Kalaba was left out of the squad that travelled for the crucial encounter.
Former midfielder Fwayo Tembo also faced challenges with the national setup during that period.
Ironically, Nigeria themselves were dealing with internal football politics at the time, but they managed to unite and eventually secured qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The Importance of Player Management
Football history has repeatedly shown that successful national teams know how to manage talent, personalities, and dressing room dynamics without compromising quality on the pitch.
Discipline remains important in every setup, but many football analysts argue that strong leadership also involves finding solutions that benefit the national team as a whole.
Supporters pointing to Chama’s case believe experienced players who continue performing consistently at club level should always remain under consideration regardless of previous misunderstandings.
Others also argue that maintaining competition for places is essential if Chipolopolo are to build a stronger squad capable of competing at continental level.
Chama Still Delivering at the Highest Level
At 34, Triple C continues to demonstrate remarkable consistency and professionalism.
While many players begin slowing down at this stage of their careers, Chama appears to be getting better with every game.
His performances for Simba SC continue to earn admiration across East African football, with fans and analysts regularly praising his intelligence, technical quality, and leadership.
Conclusion
As Zambia prepares for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, the debate surrounding Clatous Chama’s future with Chipolopolo is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
With seven goals, five assists, and five consecutive Man of the Match awards, the veteran midfielder is making a very strong case for national team consideration.
Whether Zambia chooses to move forward with Triple C or not, one thing remains clear — Clatous Chama is still performing at an elite level, and his quality remains impossible to ignore.
