By MICHAEL MIYOBA
FORMER Chipolopolo coach Sven Vandenbroek has urged the Zambia national team to tighten their defence ahead of Friday’s 2022 Qatar Fifa World Cup qualifier against Mauritania in Nouakchott.
Speaking after visiting the team camped in Morocco, Vandenbroek said he was impressed by the work ethics and the defensive organisation of the team.
Vandenbroek observed that it has always been difficult for the Chipolopolo when they are playing away but he is confident that the new organisation of the team will inspire a positive result in Mauritania.
He said he has been following Zambian football development since his unfortunate sacking in 2019 and the inclusion of players who won the 2017 Under-20 Afcon is good for the Chipolopolo who are trying to reorganize
“There is a positive image. I have been following a lot and there are so many boys who won the Under-20 AFCON in 2017 which is good for Zambian football.
“I don’t know Mauritania. I know their football in the last five years got to a high level but if Zambia can add Patson Daka, you have Enock in midfield so they have quality and if they can have the same defence organisation, and maybe not concede they can have a good result in Mauritania,” Vandebroek said.
“Most of the time it is playing outside the country which is difficult for Zambia but if they can start on a positive note then I see them doing good at home.”
Vandenbroek urged Zambian soccer fans who are crazy about football to continue pushing the national team to get good results.
Vandenbroeck drilled the Chipolopolo from July 2018 to February 2019 when he was fired after failing to qualify Zambia for the 2019 Afcon finals.
