‘Daka, a perfect example’

…Grant happy that the Leicester City striker is now scoring for his club

By MICHAEL MIYOBA

CHIPOLOPOLO gaffer Avram Grant has described Patson Daka as a perfect example for players not enjoying game time at their respective clubs.

Daka has enjoyed good form in the last four games where he has scored four goals to help Leicester City dominate the English Championship.

Grant said Daka’s impressive form which came after months of being sidelined is motivation for young players on the need to be disciplined and work hard.

Grant, who is drilling the Chipolopolo boys ahead of the 2023 AFCON scheduled to kick off on January 13 in Ivory Coast is confident that Daka will continue to score for his club and the national team.

“Patson Daka’s job is to score goals which he’s done so well for this team and I am happy he has now started to score for his club. He is a good example to the young players and those who are here but don’t know how to handle the bench,” he said.

“Patson is an example because he hasn’t been playing and a month ago he wasn’t even in the team. I have all the records on how he trains and when they gave him a chance, he did what he is supposed to do. I hope and I’m sure he will continue to score,” Grant said.

Meanwhile, Grant said he is not worried that Canada-based defender Aime Mabika is not part of the Chipolopolo squad preparing for AFCON.

“He has never been in the team. Until now I don’t even know how he looks like. If he would show a desire to play, he would be in the team. Now he has injuries so we can’t talk about him but as I tell you, always players have to show quality, passion and desire to play,” Grant said.

He said it should be a privilege for players to represent the country and make millions of Zambians happy on the pitch.

After regrouping for a local camp on Tuesday, Grant and his boys will fly to Saudi Arabia where they will engage in two international friendly matches on January 5 and 9.

While their first opponents in Saudi have not been confirmed, the Chipolopolo will play Cameroon on January 9 to conclude preparations for the AFCON where they will compete in Group F alongside Congo DR, Tanzania and Morocco.