‘We’re forgotten’

Fri, 09 Jun 2017 10:14:17 +0000

….Kalaba says Zambians have lost faith in senior Chipolopolo

By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA

CHIPOLOPOLO skipper Rainford Kalaba says the brilliant performance of the Under-20 team has created pressure for the senior national team to produce a positive result ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mozambique tomorrow.

Kalaba said soccer fans have lost faith in the senior team, therefore the team has no option but to win the game against Mozambique.

Speaking in an interview after the team’s training session at Ndola’s Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, the skipper said Zambia cannot miss out on the qualification for the 2019 Cameroon AfCON.

“Saturday’s game is a must win if we have to win back the faith of soccer fans. There is too much pressure coming in after the Under-20 performance. We were once AfCON champions but many soccer fans have forgotten about it. We are big boys so our performance should be excellent,” he said.

Kalaba said the team has put behind their poor run in the 2017 AfCON qualifiers and are now ready to write a new chapter.

He said the team was aiming for a good start and finish on top in Group K.

“We didn’t qualify to the last AfCON tournament, so this is our chance to do so. The new players look good and we are motivating them to feel they are part of the senior team. Everyone is pushing hard.

‘‘Mozambique have the same target as we do, but this is our home ground and we need to get maximum points,” he said.

Meanwhile, coach Wedson Nyirenda says no Under-20 player will feature in Saturday’s match.

Nyirenda said he was reserving the Under-20 for future assignments.

“No young boys for the Mozambique clash. The boys need enough rest coming from a competitive tournament. But definitely most players from the U-20 will graduate to the senior team,” he said.

He has released seven players from the 33 in camp who include Justin Shonga, Jackson Mwanza, Misheck Chaila, Collins Sikombe , Mwila Phiri, Cletus Chama and Stanley Nshimbi.

He will now have a task to pick the final 23 team

Zambia hosts Mozambique in Ndola in her opening Group K match which also has Guniea Bissau and Namibia.