Gamphani Lungu talks first PSL season experience
In football one of the difficult things for players all over the globe is adapting to a new environment. For Gamphani Lungu however, it was an enjoyable experience despite not getting as much game time as he could have wished.
The ZamFoot Crew caught up with the 20-year-old striker who described his first season at South Africa PSL side Supersport United as ‘Very good’. Lungu joined Matsatsantsa in August last year from Power Dynamos.
The young striker scored an impressive 16 goals and had 22 assists in 2017 helping National Assembly to win Promotion to the Super League.
“It was good I really enjoyed myself despite changing positions,” Lungu told the ZamFoot Crew.
Lungu who is nicknamed Mr. Jones made his first start for Supersport on Saturday, 11th August 2018 and in an unfamiliar right-back position against Orlando Pirates. The position change was prompted by the fact that Supersport’s first choice right-back Grant Kekana failed a late fitness test hence Coach Kaitano Tembo called upon to fill in his shoes.
And to the surprise of everyone who knows the youngster as a lethal goal scorer, he accounted well for himself giving country mates Augustine Mulenga and Justin Shonga a tough time. His wonderful display did not go unnoticed as it attracted praise from many soccer fans and pundits including fellow players who were impressed with the quality of a player Lungu is.
Despite impressing, Playing at left back was a big Challenge for Lungu as he was used to being a striker.
Challenges?, Nothing really just like what I said changing my playing position
https://mobile.twitter.com/GamphaniLungu17/status/1028516148587970560
Days after confirming the signing of Lungu, Supersport United acquired another Zambian, This time around defender Billy Mutale. The arrival of Mutale was good for the young striker who feels it made his adaptation to a new environment easier.
Yes it did make it easier cause I had someone to talk to about home and the guys from Zimbabwe made us feel welcome
Lungu suffered an injury and had to play in a defensive position when called upon hence took long to score his first goal for Matsatsantsa. He narrated to the ZamFoot Crew that the fans were supportive all throughout the season despite his dry spell in front of goal.
“Yes, I did take long the injury really held me back. Not at all the fans were always there for us.”
When asked about the difference between the PSL and the Zambia Superleague, Lungu pointed out that the Zambian league was more physical.
The former National Assembly striker has promised a better season come 2019/2020 because he now has an understanding of how the PSL works.
“Football now is just evolving everywhere. Cause like Zambian football is also on a high now. So I feel like South African football is all about transition and stuff. But Zambian football is more physical side,” he said.
“At least now I have got a feel of the South African league and I know where I can start from. So all I can just say is keep watch,” he added.
Lungu is currently in Morocco with the Zambia national team who are on a tour of duty and are scheduled to play Morocco on Sunday in an International friendly match.