Lusaka, Jan 3 (IANS): Zambia national football team striker James Chamanga has defended the Chinese league, saying the it was tough and competitive.

Zambia has seen a number of their football players breaking into the Chinese league, reports Xinhua.

Last week, international defender, Stopilla Sunzu joined Chinese top side Shanghai Greenland Shenhua with the country's sports minister Chishimba Kambwili expressing misgivings about the move.

But Chamanga, who plays for Chinese side Liaoning Whowin, said the Chinese league was tough and hoped more Zambian players would join it.

"The Chinese league is a very tough and competitive league unlike the perception that is held in this country about it. It is easy for me to say because I have been there and I know how tough it is. I actually wish more Zambians can come there and also see how difficult it is to make it there," he said.

"I am also happy it suits my game but it is underrated just because Zambians don't watch it on television."

The international striker, who has been called to the national team for this month's Africa Cup of Nations, recently renewed his contract with his Chinese club for two years.

He joined the Chinese team in 2013 from fellow Chinese side Dalian Shide.