By MICHAEL MIYOBA
The Zambia national futsal team assistant gaffer Witson Nyirenda says he is happy with the fitness levels of his players in camp.
Last week, the national futsal team regrouped in Lusaka to begin preparations for the eight-nations tournament to be held in Croatia.
After a week-long camp, Nyirenda is happy that the players who were summoned are showing commitment and dedication to compete and represent the country.
“So far so good. We regrouped on Tuesday and looking at the way the boys are responding to training, I think we can’t complain as coaches,” Nyirenda said.
“When the Premier Futsal League came to an end, we took a break of about three weeks before resuming our training with the national team and I can say that the players’ fitness levels are not bad,” he said.
Earlier, head gaffer Andrea Cristoforetti selected a 17-member squad which will be in camp for four weeks to prepare for the international tournament.
Cristoforetti, who also doubles as Automotive Futsal club coach summoned experienced Lusaka Automotive club goal keeper Jackson Chundu who will compete with Evaristo Mulolo and Mathew Simbeye from Kitwe Bullets and Green Buffaloes Futsal Club respectively. Cristoforetti also summoned Mudi Stars and Warriors impressive youngsters Michelo Kambwe and Bornface Ndlovu while Leevan Phiri joins the team from Kafue Saints.
Full squad: Jackson Chundu (Lusaka automotive), Evaristo Mulolo (Kitwe Bullets), Mathew Simbeye (Green Buffaloes), Chota Chileshe (Lusaka Automotive), Jack Simwami (Lusaka Automotive), Francis Chinyama (Automotive), Prince Lungu (Lusaka Automotive).
Others are Patrick Banda (Lusaka Automotive), James Mwila (Lusaka Automotive), Wiseman Phiri (Kitwe Bullets), Michelo Kambwe (Mudi Stars), Hendrix Chisanga (Mudi Stars), Jackson Ngoma (Mudi Stars), Bornface Njovu (Warriors), Gift Chama (Mudi Stars), Leavan Nyirenda (Kafue Saints) and Timothy Mwamba (Green Buffaloes).
