By MICHAEL MIYOBA
ZAMBIA national soccer team coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic is impressed with the Cardiff City Under-18 young star Ntazana Mayembe who he described as the future of Zambian football.
In an exclusive interview, “Micho” however noted that the 18-year-old Mayembe who has represented England and Wales at Under-15 and Under-18 levels is still young to be loaded with a lot of responsibilities after he chose the Chipolopolo over Wales.
“Micho” said Wales complained when Mayembe chose Zambia over the European country which also believed in his potential as a future star.
“The boy feels Zambian at heart and he is still young to be loaded with expectations but in the future he will be an asset for Zambia. Wales complained when we grabbed him but we could not allow them to steal our boy,” said “Micho.”
“Micho” who has travelled with 23 bullets consisting of the young Mayembe to West Africa where Zambia is scheduled to play Senegal, Benin then later Sudan in three international friendly matches is confident that Zambia will redeem itself from its past failures.
“I’m a soldier of Zambia and African football and Africa is waiting for the sleeping giant Zambia to wake up and show reality of the situation.
“We need to have sleepless nights and hardworking days to match demands of returning Zambia where it once was,” said “Micho.”
Zambia face Senegal on Saturday before playing Benin on June 8 in Cotonou.
Zambia will then conclude its June international break in Omdurman where they will play Sudan in the last friendly match slated for June 11.
