Power Dynamos coach Danny Kabwe has told his under-fire striker Alex Ng’onga to learn from the criticism his predecessor Patson Daka battled before wining over the fans hearts.
Ngonga’s Zambia recall has received a very frosty reception and it got personal when his mother’s home in Kitwe was attacked after he missed chances in a 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B qualifier against Nigeria that Zambia lost 2-1 away on October 7.
Daka, who succeeded Ng’onga at Power after he left for CS Mounana in May 2015, also endured a torrid time for both Power and Zambia.
Daka failed to spark for Power and the senior Zambia team between 2014 and 2015 when he scored just one goal for the Kitwe club.
But it all changed in June 2016 for Daka when Kabwe was appointed Power coach and saw the striker net 12 goals before he left for Austrian club RB Salzburg last December.
Last Tuesday, Ngonga broke his two-month drought at Power to score his 7th goal of the campaign in a 1-1 away draw against Zesco United.
This was after he rejoined the Kitwe club in July from Mounana and made an immediate impact with six goals that helped Power rise into the top three.
“It is good that he has scored after a long time. You know he has been under pressure but has a strong character. To be a national team celebrity, and if you start listening to people, then your game will be lost,” said Kabwe.
“The example I would give is Patson Daka. He was even criticised by his own supporters but he kept on fighting and there he is. With Alex, we have told him this is your job, this is your career, if you listen to supporters that is the end of your career.”