On reflection, Zambia’s qualification to CAN 2010 in Angola, by a whisker of course, is surely nothing to write home about and if anything is simply a clear case of prolonged anguish.

Before I’m branded a pessimist, l strongly feel it would have been a fair status quo for the disenchanted soccer fans if Zambia did not qualify.

I proclaim so because emotions of anger and disappointment in fans would have evaporated by the time the tournament kicks off in Angola next year. But as the matter stands today, the fans’ agony over the team’s mediocre performance and uninspiring results, has merely been placed on hold waiting to explode when matches begin.

It’s unfortunate Zambia qualified for CAN finals. All the fans can do is brace themselves for the usual under-achieving stuff by the team and arrogance from FAZ.

The tragedy with soccer administration in Zambia is that unlike in the past, today all essential aspects are in disarray, starting with FAZ itself which is in the hands of a clique masquerading as competent football administrators at Football House.

Further, the coach is of low grade and, unbelievably, has even publicly set a low target in Angola - quarter final berth - and not to win the trophy.

Imagine! Finally, the players themselves are lightweights and no match for the opposition they will meet; talk of Tunisia, Cameroon and Ivory Coast.

The fact is Kalusha Bwalya’s administration has placed football in Zambia in bad light, yet come election time, Kalu and his disciples would, without remorse, jump at the prospect of re-election.

If that happened, it would be another clear case of prolonged anguish.