African Champions Intensify Preps

Sat, 26 May 2012 22:23:40 +0000

Seven days and counting before the Chipolopolo Boys face Sudan in the 2014 Brazil World Cup qualifiers, Coach Herve Renard this weekend will have the greater component of the assemblage of his champion stars in camp as he intensifies preparations for the match in Khartoum.

High on his waiting list is the all-conquering team captain Christopher Katongo, playmaker Emmanuel Mayuka and James Chamanga who are expected in later to complete the Frenchman’s call up.

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Communications Officer Erick Mwanza said preparations were progressing well and all players in camp were responding positively to the coaches’ instructions.

“All is well at Milpark Garden Court in Johannesburg. The players are looking forward to the game and by tommorrow, the coach should have all the players he has called up in camp,” he said.

After Given Sunguluma of TP Mazembe was excused for being ill and Netherland based Jacob Mulenga admitted that he was not fit enough to report to camp, Renard now has his eyes focussed on identifying his 18 man-strong team to travel to Sudan for the crucial encounter.

Except for Katongo, Chamanga and Mayuka, Renard’s jigsaw puzzle pieces are all falling into place without problems and the race for a place in the final 18 man team should bring out the best in Zambian football once again.

Defender Joseph Musonda who was ruled out due to injury is back in contetion for a place together with Emmanuel Mbola who has joined FC Porto.

“It will be another star-studded side that will travel to Sudan. It will be a morale booster to get three points off Sudan and the Coaches and players know this too well. They are working towards achieving victories in the games against Sudan and later Ghana,” Mwanza said.

Zambia faces Sudan next weekend in Khartoum while the other teams in group D of the qualifying series, Ghana and Lesotho will be squaring it out in Kumasi on June 1. The reverse fixtures where Zambia hosts Ghana at Levy Stadium will be played on June 9.