New call-ups impress Wedson

Thu, 13 Apr 2017 09:54:36 +0000

By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA

COACH Wedson Nyirenda has expressed happiness with the performance of the new call-ups to the national team.

The national team broke camp yesterday on a winning note, thrashing Division One side Circuit City 5-1 thanks to a brace from Richard Kasonde, Ziyo Tembo, Stanley Nshimbi and Ronald Kampamba in a local friendly played at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Speaking in an interview after the game, Nyirenda hailed Red Arrows striker Nshimbi and Nkana goalkeeper Kelvin Malunga for exhibiting traits of national team players.  “The new call-ups have done very well in this three-day camp. I am particularly impressed with Malunga’s composure in goal and Nshimbi’s alertness on target. Some of the new call-ups are coming from small teams but they put up a good challenge,” he said.

He stated that doors for new inclusion at the national team were still open, thereby encouraged players to continue working hard.

He was satisfied with the outcome of the camp, saying the players had gained the intended fitness level.

“The camping has served its purpose, the players’ fitness level has been elevated and I am show the next camping will be different. This camping was both for CHAN and AfCON preparations. I hope to travel to South Africa to monitor our players especially that we have many playing their trade there,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Under-20 team today kicks off preparations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea which starts next month.

Coach Beston Chambeshi has called 30 players to a local residential camp before the team leaves for another camping in Spain on April 23.

Zambia is in Group C alongside Portugal, Costa Rica and Iran and will be based on the Island of Jeju.

GOALKEEPERS: Mangani Banda (Zanaco), Samson Banda (Zesco United), James Phiri (Lusaka Dynamos), Prince Bwalya (Green Buffaloes)

DEFENDERS: Moses Nyondo (Nkana),Prosper Chiluya (Lumwana), Benson Chali (Forest Rangers), Solomon Sakala (Napsa Stars), Shemmy Mayembe (Zesco United), Edward Tembo (Gomes FC), Ngosa Sunzu (Hapoel Ra’anana), Sydney Phiri (Kabwe Warriors), Boston Muchindu (Nkana), Wayne Museba (Mufulira Wanderers)

MIDFIELDERS: Peter Mashikini (Grand View University (USA), Chrispin Sakulanda (Mufulira Wanderers), Kenneth Kalunga (IFS, Denmark), Boyd Siame Musonda (Zanaco), Harriosn Chisala (Nkana), Emmanuel Banda (Esmoriz, Portugal), Linos Makwaza (Power Dynamos), Leonard Mulenga (Green Buffaloes), Stephen Chulu (Kabwe Warriors),

STRIKERS: Conlyde Luchanga (Lusaka Dynamos), Edward Chilufya (Mpande Youth), Patrick Ngoma (Red Arrows), Musonda Siame (Lumwana Radiants), Joseph Phiri (Red Arrows), Damiano Kola (Zanaco), Happy Nsofwa (Lumwana Radiants).