Mweene Says He Feels Disrespected That He Was Not Informed Of His Demotion

Chipolopolo goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene says he feels disrespected that he was not informed of his demotion as vice-captain by Patrice Beaumelle.
In a telephone interview from South Africa, Mweene, who has been stripped off the vice- captaincy of the Zambia national team, said he feels insulted that he learnt of his fate on social media.
Mweene said Beaumelle should show respect for players just as he too is respected.
The Mamelodi Sundowns goalminder said the news of him being dropped as vice captain came as a surprise as Beaumelle had not informed him.
“I was taken by surprise. Look, I was informed of this development through social media. I know he (Beaumelle) is the boss but he needed to let me know. I’m human and have feelings. We respect him as a coach so he should also have respect for players. He should have informed me about this change rather than be informed through the media. He only told me about it when I phoned him to ask what’s happening,” he complained.
Mweene said as a player who has served the nation with diligence and loyalty, the coach should have informed him of his new ‘philosophy’ before rushing to the media.
He, however, said he was not bitter with Beaumelle’s decision.
Mweene pledged support to Nathan Sinkala and Stoppila Sunzu who were named as Christopher Katongo’s deputies.
He said his priority was to serve the nation and to continue playing his part as a player.
“I’m not bitter about being dropped and that he has chosen Nathan and Stoppila; what I am disappointed about is not being told, it does not show respect. Anyway, I will try to understand as my priority is to serve the nation. I will also support Nathan and Stoppila,” he concluded.
Beaumelle last week addressed the press at Football House to explain a “new philosophy” and his belief that a national team captain should not be a goalkeeper.
“My philosophy is to have a captain who is mobile, one who is able to command the pitch by movement throughout the field of play and is not in goal; that is why I decided to make Nathan Sinkala deputy captain to replace Kennedy Mweene. That’s just my philosophy. It doesn’t mean Kennedy was not good. I just want a leader who is able to move around everywhere,” Beaumelle said.
He, however, maintained Katongo as Chipolopolo captain.
“I need to explain that Chris has two assistants and they are Nathan Sinkala followed by Stoppila Sunzu. This is not new. You may just have heard it now but this is not new to us and the boys. It has been going on for some time now and Chris is very happy with the situation. We are all happy with it and the players understand why I want the leader of my team to be in action all over the pitch,” said Beaumelle.