Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
FAZ President Kalusha Bwalya with Chipolopolo boys
Chipolopolo will this afternoon saunter into the Moruleng stadium in South Africa’s Northwest province fully aware that Zambians back home are only looking forward to one thing: a victory over their South West Neighbours, Namibia in the first quarter final of this year’s COSAFA tournament.
While appreciating the demands of the citizenry, coach Honour Janza has been cautious in his approach to the 15:00 hours kick off match saying he has respect for every team at the tournament and will not underrate any competitor. Janza says the fact that Zambia are the defending champions will not matter on the field of play but adds that history is important if used as a spring board.
“Yes we are defending champions and the only thing we must do is use history as a springboard. The past should just give us the momentum to move forward and do better. We shall not underrate any team, we shall respect any team we meet but shall not fear any opposition” said the 2012 Africa cup and 2013 COSAFA winning Assistant coach.
Having been on bye, Zambia will join the race for this year’s COSAFA title at quarter final stage with a tricky encounter against Namibia who shocked pre-tournament favourites, Zimbabwe to lead Group A.
Historically, this must be an easy game for Chipolopolo who won the inaugural tournament and have only suffered five defeats out of the 42 games they have played in the past twenty years. Zambia has lifted the trophy four times. It is this record that Janza has said will not cloud his thinking in planning the downfall of Namibia.
Apart from Evans Kangwa, all the players that were summoned have turned up and Janza will be spoilt for choice on who should do battle for Zambia.
In goal Kennedy Mweene and Danny Munyao will slug it out for the starter’s position. Christopher Munthali and Zimbabwean based Aaron Katebe may start in central defence. The wings backs will be up for grabs by Joseph “Joliba” Zimba, Donashano Malama, South African based, Davies Nkausu and Israeli based Emmanuel Mbola.Looking at how the two played against Malawi a fortnight ago, Kondwani Mtonga and Justin Zulu could be the commanders of the midfield while the two “Mukukas”, Allan and Mulenga may be expected to use their speed on the wings. Jimmy Njobvu and Bonwell could be the two strikers Janza may opt for upront.
And FAZ President Kalusha Bwalya has implored the Chipolopolo to put in their best and safeguard the pride of the country. Kalusha has reminded the players of the dangers of complacency and underrating opponents at such a tournament.
“For a fact we may not even be right to say we are defending champions because last year, the tournament was not held. The fact that we were the winners in 2013 should not put us under pressure. Let us just go there, focused and enjoy our football but with a lot of determination, dedication and hard work” concluded the FAZ boss.
Namibia on the other hand have every reason to be confident having booted out pre-tournament favourites, Zimbabwe. The “Brave Warriors are the third highest scoring team in the history of the COSAFA Championships having scored 45 goals and are only beaten by Zimbabwe ( 68} and Chipolopolo ( 63).
FAZ