AXE LOOMS OVER WAYWARD STARS

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 12:38:47 +0000

Discipline is cardinal, WADA tells CHAN aquad

By Grace Chaile Lesoetsa

CHIPOLOPOLO coach Wedson Nyirenda has warned players in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) squad to be disciplined or risk being dropped.

Speaking in an interview, Nyirenda said he will not give special treatment to any player found wanting or to have abrogated the rules.

He said discipline was a high priority in his approach as the country targets the 2018 CHAN title next month.

He said Zambia is in tricky Group B with Uganda, Namibia and Ivory Coast so the players needed to be very focused in training.

“I have told the players that discipline is cardinal, the technical bench will not spare anyone who breaks the rules. I should emphasise that no one is special, those who break the rules will definitely be dropped,” he said.

Nyirenda told the players not to be too excited during the festive season to an extent of putting their job on the line.

“After the Mongu camping next week, the players will be given time to spend with their families, even then discipline must be maintained,” he said.

Meanwhile, Namibia coach Ricardo Mannetti said preparations for the tournament are on course.

Mannetti noted that he was working hard to ensure the team is well prepared to cause an upset at the tournament.

The tournament will be played over three weeks between January 12 and February 4, 2018. The CHAN tournament brings together 16 national teams composed of local players playing in the national leagues of their respective countries.