Tue, 12 Dec 2017 10:54:59 +0000
By Grace Chaile Lesoetsa
COACH Wedson Nyirenda says he wants a friendly match against Nigeria or Cameroon to help Chipolopolo adequately prepare for the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament which starts next month in Morocco.
And Nyirenda said the technical bench was done with the building of a senior team and now has set eyes on winning titles.
The Chipolopolo yesterday commenced preparations for the CHAN tournament where they are placed in Group B with Namibia, Ivory Coast and Uganda.
Speaking in an interview after a training session at Lusaka’s Sunset Stadium, Nyirenda said he only wanted high profile friendly games for Zambia.
“I think Zambia was no longer a small team, she needs high profile friendlies that would help the team prepare adequately. I hope we can play Nigeria or Cameroon, they can give us a good game,” Nyirenda said.
He said FAZ had not yet finalised where the team will be camped outside Zambia.
He added that the team would camp for a week in Mongu before leaving for camping abroad.
Nyirenda said the team building process was almost done and now would focus on winning titles.
“I think we are almost done with the building of a team, we have a good team in place and now it’s time for Zambia to compete for titles,” he said.
He said that he was expecting a good performance from the team at the tournament.
He noted that Zambia’s graph performance had risen, therefore the boys had no other option but to put in their best.
Meanwhile, Nyirenda said Zesco United striker Lazarous Kambole and Nkana hitman Ronald Kampamba had hit their form, so deserved to be in the CHAN squad.
The team is scheduled to break camp on Thursday and regroup this Sunday.
He was impressed with the turn-out of players despite the short notice. The Zambian coach said the Zesco United players were expected to join camp last evening. He however ruled out Augustine Mulenga for this camp due to injury he sustained during training at Zanaco.
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.
FULL LIST
(GOALKEEPERS)
Moses Mapulanga (Nkana FC), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco FC), Allan Chibwe (Power Dynamos FC), Kenny Mumba (Red Arrows)
(DEFENDERS)
Solomon Sakala (Napsa Stars FC), Simon Silwimba, Fackson Kapumbu (both Zesco United), Lawrence Chungu, Isaac Shamujompa (Power Dynamos), John Mwengani (Nkana), Ziyo Tembo (Zanaco), Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes), Jimmy Nakena (Nchanga Rangers)
(MIDFIELDERS)
Donashano Malama (Nkana), Kondwani Mtonga, Misheck Chaila, John Chingandu (all Zesco United), Larry Bwalya, Godfrey Ngwenya (Power Dynamos), Augustine Mulenga, Ernest Mbewe (both Zanaco), Mike Katiba (Green Buffaloes), Bwalya Kasonde (Nchanga Rangers)
(STRIKERS)
