
In a statement made on the Zed podcast, Rainford Kalaba, a football player, shared his thoughts on the 2016 CAF Player of the Year award. He commended Kalusha Bwalya, a former Zambian footballer and administrator, for voting for Ugandan Dennis Onyango. According to Kalaba, Bwalya’s decision was justified because Onyango had won the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns that year, while Kalaba himself had won the CAF Confederation Cup with TP Mazembe.
Kalaba acknowledged that there existed a significant gap between these two competitions in terms of prestige and importance. The CAF Champions League is widely regarded as the premier club competition in Africa, featuring the top clubs from across the continent competing for the title. In contrast, the CAF Confederation Cup is considered a secondary tournament, often perceived as having a lower stature compared to the Champions League.
Check also Nvumbaranda Group Joins Forces with FC MUZA, Providing Air Tickets for Confederation Cup Journey
Given this context, Kalaba explained that he did not take offense to Bwalya’s vote for Onyango. He understood the rationale behind it, recognizing that winning the CAF Champions League holds greater weight and is regarded as a more significant accomplishment than winning the Confederation Cup. Kalaba’s perspective demonstrates his understanding of the differing levels of prestige associated with these competitions and how they may influence voting decisions for individual awards.
Kalusha Bwalya did the right thing to vote for Ugandan Dennis Onyango for the CAF Player of the year award (based in Africa) in 2016 because Onyango won the CAF champions with Mamelodi Sundowns in that year while I won the Confederations Cup with TP Mazembe. Looking at those two competitions, there is a huge gap and that is why I never got offended because I understood.” Said kalaba
It’s important to note that Kalaba’s remarks reflect his personal opinion and interpretation of the situation. Others may have varying viewpoints on the significance of these competitions and their impact on voting for individual accolades. Ultimately, football awards are subjective and open to interpretation, and different individuals may prioritize different criteria when casting their votes.


Zambian Football News
Russia Coach Karpin Highlights Zambia’s Defensive Problems

Bola Yapa Zed
Chintu Kampamba Joins Warriors as First Assistant Coach

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)
Häuptle Announce 24-Player Squad for Yongchuan International Tournament

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)
Adrian Kashala Declares War on Match Fixing in Zambia

Bola Yapa Zed
Albert Kachinga Makes Winning Start with Kabwe Warriors

Zambian Football News
Zambia U-17 Girls Cruise to 3-0 Win Over Tanzania in Qualifier

Zambian Football News
2025 Absa Cup Participants Confirmed: All Teams Announced

National League Fixtures
ZPL National League Fixtures: Week 27 Showdowns

Zambian Football News
Avram Grant Names 19-Man Squad for Russia Friendly

Bola Yapa Zed TV
Watch: Zambia 3-2 Sierra Leone: Extended Highlights

Bola Yapa Zed
Match Highlights: Atletico Lusaka vs Napsa Stars

Zambian Football News
Watch Barbra Banda’s Brace for Orlando Pride Against Seattle Reign

General Football News
Match Highlights Uruguay Vs. Brasil
Must Read
-
Zambian Football News
/ 2 days agoRussia Coach Karpin Highlights Zambia’s Defensive Problems
Russia Coach Karpin: Zambia Has Defensive Problems Following Russia’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Zambia...
By Chikondi -
Bola Yapa Zed
/ 2 days agoChintu Kampamba Joins Warriors as First Assistant Coach
Chintu Kampamba Returns to Kabwe Warriors in Coaching Role Kabwe Warriors Football Club has...
By Chikondi -
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)
/ 2 days agoHäuptle Announce 24-Player Squad for Yongchuan International Tournament
Grace Chanda Returns as Häuptle Unveils Copper Queens Squad for China Tournament The Zambia...
By Chikondi -
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)
/ 3 days agoAdrian Kashala Declares War on Match Fixing in Zambia
Kashala Pledges to Tackle Match Fixing in Zambian Football Former FAZ Secretary General Adrian...
By Chikondi