By MICHAEL MIYOBA
ZAMBIA national soccer team coach Aljosa Asanovic has observed that some Zambian players lack discipline.
The Croatian, who has been given a four-year performance-based contract as Chipolopolo gaffer said form will be the first criteria he will use to pick players ahead of a competitive 2022. He was speaking when he featured on ZNBC TV 1. He was Beston Chambeshi’s technical advisor before being named head coach
He said he will not call players who do not play at their clubs for national team duty.
Asanovich noted the need for Zambian players to change their behaviour.
“I see that most players have speed, character, and power but Zambian players are not disciplined in the game, on the training ground and they must change those kinds of things,” he said.
“When I talk about discipline, it is not only discipline in the training ground but in the hotels, in private life, there are so many aspects on discipline,” Asanovic said.
“Players must know that in professional football there is so much hard work and discipline involved. Most players must play in their clubs, I don’t want to invite guys who do not have clubs, it doesn’t matter the name, I need 100 percent players who play.”
Asanovic reaffirmed his commitment to take Zambia to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the last three editions of the continental showpiece.
While admitting that people may think he is crazy, Asanovic said Zambia can win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations which will be staged in Ivory Coast.
“When I came here in Zambia I saw the passion of the players, I saw the potential and people are hungry to be on top of the African game.
“There is a place for us, we must be there at AfCON.
This is my target. I want to go there with my boys not just to participate but to win the AfCON…maybe people think may think that I am crazy, no I am not crazy, I just believe in my players so much,” he said.
Asanovic said he did not come to Zambia to pass by but to be a winner with the Chipolopolo.
The Croatian has also put to bed the debate over who would be named as Chipolopolo captain and confirmed Enock Mwepu as the Chipolopolo captain.
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