Skill not enough in football—Kanyenda
Flames veteran striker Esau Kanyenda has said Fischer Kondowe’s achievements prove that while skill can take you to the top of a football career, hard-work is non-negotiable.
Kanyenda and Kondowe were recalled to the Flames recently and delivered the goods.
Claiming to be 37, Kondowe scooped the 2014 TNM Super League Player of the Year last Friday. Kanyenda was least surprised with the recognition of his fellow veteran whose career has spanned 15 years.
“I am happy for Fischer. This man is a hard worker. I can see him playing for three more years. Football is about hard work. If you are a hard worker, everything goes well. You can be a skilful player, but if you do not work hard, you are not a complete player,” said Kanyenda who plays for Polokwane City in the South Africa Premiership.
Kanyenda, now in his 17th year of active football, scored when Flames played Mali. Both players said they were prepared for the call up knowing that poor form would vindicate the critics.
“About people saying we are old, they can say whatever, as long as in our club we are playing. Even here our coach [Kosta Papic] told me that ‘I don’t put [feature] people because of age, but if you work hard, you play,” said the striker.
Kondowe was consistent throughout the season paving the way for his recall, alongside Kanyenda, to the Flames in the later stages of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, playing a pivotal role in 2-0 and goalless draw with Mali and Ethiopia.
“I sat down with Kanyenda and resolved that the more they insult and mock us, the more we will push harder, train harder and play every game as if it were our last until one-by-one the critics keep quiet,” said Kondowe.
