By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
ZAMBIAN champions Nkana arrived safely in Ivory Coast on Tuesday night but without the luggage of three players ahead of Sunday’s CAF 2014 Confederation Cup Group B crucial match against Sewe Sport.
Captain Sydney Kalume, striker Festus Mbewe and defender Derrick Mwansa are the three players whose luggage did not make the trip with the Nkana delegation that arrived in Abidjan.
The bags of the trio are suspected to have remained behind in Johannesburg as the team made a connection from Lusaka to Abidjan.
Nkana treasurer Alex Munasha in an interview from Abidjan yesterday suspected that the bags would have remained behind after changing planes in Johannesburg.
Munasha said the authorities at the South Africa Airways (SAA) have been informed and promised to put the bags on the next flight to Abidjan.
He said the players were asked to identify what was in their bags and that so far the boots and other items have been replaced.
“Despite what happened, the players are not affected as they continued to focus on Saturday’s game. Morale is high and we are her to win and advance to the semi finals,” he said.
Nkana, who are lead by Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) executive committee member Kelvin Mutafu, were received at the airport by officials and the team is accommodated at the Ivotel Hotel.
Meanwhile, the team went for a training session yesterday under the guidance of coach Beston Chambeshi with Munasha saying the players looked sharp and geared for the match.
Nkana are on seven points in Group B and will need a draw against Sewe Sport, on six points, to seal a place in the semi finals. Group leaders Al Ahly on eight points play Etoile du Sahel, on five points, tomorrow.
The team has goalkeepers Rabson Muchelenganga, Masaka Mufwaya, Charles Mweemba while the defenders are Noel Phiri, Joe Lungu, Maybin Chishimba, Amos Simwanza, Billy Mwanza, Charles Shamujompa, Donashano Malama, Masauso Zimba and Derrick Mwansa.
Midfielders are Claude Bwalya, Mwila Kabwe, Kelvin Mubanga, Shadreck Musonda, Sydney Kalume. Strikers are Festus Mbewe, Ronald Kampamba and Lottie Nyimbili.
