Fairy-tale  Zambia  turned   to  reference point Monday as former Abia state governor Dr.Orji Uzor Kalu branded them Africa’s team of possibilities,urging coach Stephen Keshi to learn from the new champions.

Kalu’s joy stemmed from the fact that the Chipolopolo did not flash any superstars from European Leagues, yet they diminished the biggest names in African soccer.

Zambia national football team players celebrate their victory with their trophy at the end of the African Cup of Nations final football match between Zambia and Ivory Coast on February 12, 2012, at the Stade de l'Amitie in Libreville. AFP PHOTO

“He said,”Zambia taught us all that names do not play football. African football comes out better when those who play in Africa gain maximum encouragement.

Playing in Europe is no longer a ticket to victory at the Africa Nations Cup. I hope Keshi is watching it all. He does not need more than six Euro-stars in the new Super Egles team.

“With Zambia,nothing is impossible.In 1994,barely a year after they lost their national team,the boys could only be stopped from winning the Nations Cup by Nigeria”, added Kalu. Kalu.

The Eagles have a way round the new Zambia.We beat them through penalties in 2010,and this same team lost to Nigeria in Kaduna prior to departure to Gabon.Appeasing their dead was mere psychology,Chipolopolo deserved the cup.They did not run out of steam,”Kalu added.

Kalu used the opportunity to remember the dead Zambian players some of who gave African football respect when the then K K Eleven subdued mighty Italy 4-0 at   the Seoul ’88 Olympics.

“Keeper Efford Chabala,Samuel Chomba,Eston Mulenga,Derby Makinka and of course, Wisdom Chansa who would later captain Power Dynamos to dethrone BCC Lions of Gboko as Mandela Cup Champions in 1991.

Central defender Robert Watiyakeni who drew the team level in Lusaka as they later hit BCC 3-1,John Soko,Kenani Sibambe,Winta Mumba and goalie Moses Mwamba.They all played in Lagos in 1991.May their souls rest in peace,”he prayed.