Chris Katongo explains lack of Zambian representation in PSL

Numerous talented Zambian players have graced the South African top-flight over the years, including the late Denis Lota, Collins Mbesuma, Isaac Chansa, James Chamanga and Katongo.

More recently the likes of Lazarous Kambole and Austin Muwowo have plied their trade in South Africa, but with little success.

Katongo explained that Zambians are not getting the exposure they are used to as a result of the country's teams poor showing in CAF tournaments in recent seasons.

The former hitman explained in the Sowetan: "It's been a long time since we wrote history here.

“If you look at the history of Zambians in the PSL, it's fantastic — but the number of Zambian players coming to SA has gone down. The reason is that we didn't handle the transition process very well because when Zanaco, Nkana, Power [Dynamos] and Zesco [United] were participating regularly in the CAF tournaments, it was when we sent players to SA."

Dynamos are competing in this season's Champions League while Zesco are participating in the Confederation Cup.

"In the last five or six years, these teams have hardly gone to the group stages, so where will big teams, especially SA teams, see our players? Most of the Zambian players are not exposed. In Zambia, only two teams have been participating in CAF tournaments regularly," added Katongo.

"It's not going to be easy for these two Zambian teams because it's been a long time since they participated in the group stages of these CAF tournaments. These competitions need experience and pedigree."