Zambian coach Patrice Beaumelle has maintained that Christopher Katongo is still the captain of the Chipolopolo despite the fact that the striker is currently clubless.

Katongo, who played for relegated Golden Arrows last season, is currently clubless after his short term contract with Abafana Bes’thende expired.

The 31-year-old striker has been linked with a move to Orlando Pirates and was supposed to have joined Chippa United, but the deal fell through. Chippa CEO Peter Koutroulis told the Siya crew that the reason for that was because Katongo and his agent demanded more money from them.

Katongo might not have a club at the moment, but his national team coach says he still remains the Chipolopolo captain.

“The 2012 BBC Africa footballer of the year, Christopher Katongo is still the captain of the Zambia national soccer team,” Beaumelle told the Lusaka Times.

There were rumours that Katongo has been replaced by Stopila Sunzu as Chipolopolo captain.

Beaumelle however explained that Katongo has two assistants namely Sunzu and Nathan Sinkala and Sunzu.