Work hard pros told

Tue, 03 Jan 2017 07:12:10 +0000

By Grace Chaile

FOREIGN based players must fight for permanent slots at their respective clubs and not turn bench warmers, former national team coach Fred Mwila has cautioned.

Mwila in an interview expressed worry at the underperformance of some players who rarely featured for their club.

He said it was worrying that Zambian players were attracting foreign clubs, but once signed turned to bench warmers.

“I am happy that our local players are gaining recognition from the foreign clubs. But my worry is their silence once they are signed at theses respective clubs, some players are always on the bench which has a negative impact on the career.

The boys should endeavour to fight for a slot in the starting eleven. We have the talent and just need discipline and hard work to make an impact,” he said.

Mwila also advised the players not to be in hurry to sign for some for the foreign clubs who will finish off their career.

Meanwhile, he challenged the junior Chipolopolo to lift the 2017 African Cup of Nations under-20 title as a way of compensating for the K41 million to be pumped in the tournament.

Mwila said K41 million investment in the sport calls for hard work from the lads ahead of the tournament to be hosted by Zambia from February 26 to March 12.

He said the junior Chipolopolo should prove to the nation that the money that will be invested was not a waste.

“The under-20 team should aim for the title and nothing less. K41 million is a colossal amount and hence requires a positive result. This should drive the boys to work hard and make Zambia proud, he said.

Mwila advised the team not to dwell in the past glory of the COSAFA title but to brace themselves for stiff competition.

“There are no easy games in football now. Each team must be treated as a threat in the competition. The group stage is stiff because all teams know that reaching the semi-final stage means definite qualification to the 2017 World Cup,” he said.

He said the West Africans have in the recent years developed formidable junior teams and Zambia must be weary.