By MICHAEL MIYOBA
ZAMBIA National Soccer team coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic has warned that only players that are ready to sweat for the Chipolopolo shirt would be called up for the AFCON qualifiers against Botswana in November.
Speaking after Zambia recorded a 2-1 defeat to Kenya in Friday’s international friendly match in Nairobi, “Micho” who expressed displeasure with the performance of the team hinted that he wouldn’t call some players for Chipolopolo’s upcoming fixtures.
“Micho” said there is no time for players not to be ready to serve the team in the best way possible when they are summoned for national team duty.
“In the national team there is not too much time for the player to play if he does not show up and show readiness to serve the nation in the best possible way. Unfortunately we shall analyse deeply the unfortunate situation and some of the players would not be called in the future,” “Micho” said.
“I would like to say if players come from professional (foreign land) they need to make a significant difference in comparison with the local players that are visibly hungry, motivated and thirsty to give the best to the nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Micho hailed local players who came in and almost forced a draw against the Harambe Stars of Kenya.
“I need to give credit to the impact of locally based players who came with the zeal and desire to change the result because we were 2-0 down. They have proven, scoring one goal and the second that was disallowed but we do not look at that, we look at the complete picture and how much individuals have given,” he said.
He added; “This is a transparent overview on who can and who cannot play. Based on the two matches, we are looking forward to the match on Sunday. We need to critically analyze the critical situation .”
The Serbian who had started the game with seven of his foreign stars in Fashion Sakala, Edward Chilufya, Kabaso Chongo, Tandi Mwape, Lubambo Musonda and the Kangwa brothers of Klings and Evans said local players looked hungrier to salvage a result against Malawi.
With Zambia trailing 2-0, “Micho” made several changes in the second half, introducing, Gampani Lungu, Colins Sikombe, Emmanue Chabula and Mubanga Kampamba.
Zambia will today play South Africa in Rustenburg at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in the final international friendly during the FIFA window and “Micho” hinted to fielding in the best and most impressive players from the two friendly games against Kenya and Malawi.
SWEAT FOR IT
